Aims: Heart transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) is under evaluation as a therapy for cardiac repair. Prostacyclin (PGI2), a vasodilator with additional effects on platelet aggregation and blood cell adhesion, exerts cardioprotection and might favour the myocardial delivery of ADSCs. We investigated the engraftment and influence on cardiac function of the transcoronary delivery of ADSCs and the effects of PGI2 compared with nitroglycerin (NTG) and adenosine (Ado) in isolated-perfused mouse hearts.
Methods and results: Infusion of ADSCs at <1 x 10(6) cells/mL caused no significant changes in contractility and rhythm, whereas higher cell doses caused cardiac dysfunction. Perfusion with PGI2, NTG, and Ado concentration-dependently increased coronary flow (CF). Perfusion with PGI2, at variance from NTG and Ado, increased ADSC delivery and entrance into the myocardial interstitium without affecting ventricular or metabolic functions and CF (engrafted ADSCs, as percentage of control, at doses producing 50% of maximum vasodilation: PGI2: 220+/-12, P < 0.001; NTG: 110+/-8, P = N.S.; Ado: 80+/-5, P = N.S.).
Conclusion: PGI2 safely increases myocardial delivery of ADSCs, by mechanisms independent of its vasodilatory properties, with a potential for its use in cell therapy for cardiac repair.