[Progress on embryonic stem cells for the treatment of myocardial infarction]

Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan. 2004 Jul;35(3):205-9.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells derived from blastocyst-stage embryos. They are characterized by their capacity for self-renewal and by the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types. In vitro, ES cells can spontaneously aggregate into the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) comprised of a range of differentiated cells. When injected into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, ES cells will induce the generation of teratomas, which include differentiated cells from three embryonic germ layers. We can induce the differentiation of ES cells into cardiocytes by treatment with several growth factors or co-culture with certain other cells. The pure differentiated cardiocytes from ES cells are then selected and implanted into the infarcted hearts. The hearts' function will be improved. ES cells implantation is a novel and potential method to treat infarcted hearts.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blastocyst / cytology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology*
  • Germ Layers / cytology
  • Germ Layers / physiology
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / surgery*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / physiology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / physiology