Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Acquire Myofibroblast Characteristics in Granulation Tissue

Vol. 42, No. 2, 2005

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Research Paper

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Acquire Myofibroblast Characteristics in Granulation Tissue
Alexander Jabs^a, Gustavo A. Moncada^a, Christopher E. Nichols^a, Edmund K. Waller^b, Josiah N. Wilcox^a

^aDepartment of Hematology/Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute and
^bBone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

J Vasc Res 2005;42:174-180 (DOI: 10.1159/000084406)

Key Words

Myofibroblasts
Macrophages
Transdifferentiation
Stem cells

Abstract

Background: Bone marrow-derived cell populations possess progenitor cell capacities. Emerging evidence also suggests significant plasticity of differentiated mononuclear cell lineages. We therefore assessed the distribution of transplanted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in granulation tissue formation, and evaluated their possible transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Methods: Silastic tubes were inserted into the peritoneal cavity of rats, followed by injection of PKH26-labelled PBMCs isolated from donor animals. At 3, 14 and 21 days, the distribution of PKH26⁺ cells as well as their colocalization with myofibroblast/smooth muscle cell [ alpha -smooth muscle ( alpha -SM) actin] or macrophage markers (ED1/ED2) were determined. Results: Round-shaped PKH26⁺ cells accumulated around the implants at 3 days, while myofibroblasts were rare. Later, peritoneal granulation tissue constituted an inner, multilayered capsule primarily comprising alpha -SM actin⁺ cells that was surrounded by more loosely organized inflammatory connective tissue. PKH26-labelled, spindle-shaped cells were abundantly found in tissue capsules. As a key finding, granulation tissue at 14 and 21 days contained cells with both PKH26 and alpha -SM actin labelling. Accordingly, a subpopulation of cells staining positive for macrophage markers showed a spindle-shaped morphology and alpha -SM actin expression. Conclusions: Transplanted PBMCs contribute to granulation tissue, and acquire myofibroblast characteristics during de novo tissue formation. Mononuclear cells may transdifferentiate into myofibroblast-like cells within an inflammatory environment.

Author Contacts

Dr. Josiah N. Wilcox
Medtronic Vascular
3576 Unocal Place, SS-48, 2D0603
Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (USA)
Tel. +1 707 591 2256, Fax +1 707 566 1408, E-Mail Cy.Wilcox@medtronic.com

Article Information

Received: August 30, 2004
Accepted after revision: January 6, 2005
Published online: March 14, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 5, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 25

Medline Abstract (ID 15767764)

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