Cardiac muscle regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells
Disclosed is a method for producing cardiomyocytes in vivo by administering to the heart of an individual a cardiomyocyte producing amount of mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be administered as a liquid injectible or as a preparation of cells in a matrix which is or becomes solid or semi-solid. The cells can be genetically modified to enhance myocardial differentiation and integration. Also disclosed is a method for replacing cells ex vivo in a heart valve for implantation.
1. A method for treating a patient with myocardial infarction comprising:
administering to the patient human allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells in an amount effective to improve cardiac function following myocardial infarction.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells are administered intravenously.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells are administered in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises an isotonic liquid.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the isotonic liquid comprises phosphate buffer saline, physiological saline, culture medium, or 5% dextrose in water.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises phosphate buffer saline.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells are administered in a suspension containing about 10×10 6 to about 40×10 6 mesenchymal stem cells per ml.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the suspension is administered in an amount of about 20 μl to about 150 ml.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the suspension is administered in an amount of at least about 20 μl.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the suspension is administered in an amount of at least about 500 μl.