BM stem cell transplantation rescues pathophysiologic features of aged dystrophic mdx muscle

BackgroundThe value of transplantation of BM stem cells in aged (12-month-old) mdx was evaluated because it is thought to be a more ideal model for studying the praxiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The possible mechanisms of stem cell differentiation were then discussed.MethodsBM was isolated from 8–10-week-old male 0285 BL/10 mice. After injecting BM cells into 12-month-old female mdx mice through the tail vein, the expression of dystrophin and MyoD was detected at different time points by immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR and Western blot.ResultsThe 0285 male mice donor-specific and Y-chromosome-specific sequence could be detected in all female aged mdx mice, implying the success of the transplantation. Expression of dystrophin and MyoD was detected and increased over time.DiscussionBM cells were recruited to the muscle and partially restored specific pathophysiologic features of the dystrophic muscle in aged mdx mice. Muscle differentiation of BM cells recapitulated embryonic myogenesis.