Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Characteristics, Sources, and Mechanisms of Action

Authors
Matthew C. Stewart, Allison A. Stewart
Date
August 2011
Journal
Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice
Volume
27
Number
2
Pages
243-261

This article provides an overview of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) biology. In the first section, the characteristics that are routinely used to define MSCs—adherence, proliferation, multi-lineage potential, and “cluster of differentiation” marker profiles—are discussed. In the second section, the major tissues and body fluids that are used as sources for equine MSCs are presented, along with the comparative biologic activities of MSCs from specific locations. Finally, the current understanding of the mechanisms by which MSCs influence repair and regeneration are discussed, with an emphasis on the clinical importance of MSC trophic activities.

Equine
Stem cells

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