The pulmonary microvasculature entraps induced vascular progenitor cells (iVPCs) systemically delivered after cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury: Indication for preservation of heart function via paracrine effects beyond engraftment

Abstract

Objective: Stem cell-based regenerative therapies have been intensively studied with the aim to define an ideal cell type for the treatment of myocardial infarction. We tested systemically delivered, platelet-targeted induced vascular progenitor cells (iVPCs) to study their potential to salvage damaged myocardium after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: Using a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion injury, we tested the potential of platelet-targeted iVPCs (1 × 106 targ-iVPCs) compared to non-targ-iVPCs and a saline control. Bioluminescence imaging, echocardiography, and histological analyses were performed. Results: Four weeks after ischemia-reperfusion injury, systemic delivery of targ-iV..