Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are an invaluable tool for research and therapeutic application regarding degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis.
Methods: Human MSC from cryopreserved mononuclear (c-MSC) cell populations were isolated from bone marrow (BM) and compared with MSC isolated directly from the same BM for immunophenotype, differentiation capacity and Parathormone (PTH) response.
Results: c-MSC showed a similar immunophenotype, division and differentiation capacity as standard MSC obtained from the same BM. This capacity was maintained during various culture-growing passages. Treatment with PTH(1-34) from days 6 to 24, after c-MSC induction to osteoblasts and adipocytes, had no significant effect on osteoblastogenesis yet inhibited adipogenesis. This effect was similar in MSC from the same BM.
Discussion: We propose cryopreservation of mononuclear cells obtained from BM as a simple and convenient means for routine storage of MSC to be used for therapeutic and research applications.