Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2024; 37(05): S111-S142
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1791342
Podium Abstracts

Evaluation of Safety and Stem Cell Viability after Repeat Intra-articular Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injections in MHC Mismatched Horses

Authors

  • L. M. Gray

    1   Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

  • E. M. Collar

    1   Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

  • A. R. Carlson

    1   Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

  • D. C. Miller

    2   Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States

  • X. Sun

    1   Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

  • M. S. Dhar

    1   Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
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Abstract

Introduction: Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising source of treatment for osteoarthritis. However, investigations have been limited to repeat injections from one donor only.

Materials and Methods: Two geldings served as MHC mismatched BM-MSC donors. Twelve mares (AAEP lameness grade ≤3/5) were divided into control (unilateral limb) and recipient (stem cell and internal control limbs) groups.

Synovial fluid (SF) was collected on days 0, 7, 21, 28, and 42. SF-MSCs were cultured and DNA haplotyped. Synovial fluid cytology was analyzed. Physical and lameness evaluations were performed pre- and post-injections.

Results: TNCC was never elevated from within normal limits for any joint throughout the study. Stem cell limbs (448–1,716 cells/µL) had higher TNCC than all control limbs (183–633 cells/µL) at days 21–-42 (p ≤ 0.0007). Limb edema and joint effusion were greater in stem cell limbs than control limbs for 1 to 7 days following injections. There was an increase in the number of days cells took to grow before first passage in all groups from day 0 to 21 and 42.Lameness scores for stem cell limbs were overall greater than control limbs on days 3 and 7 after initial injection (p ≤ 0.04). Horses never demonstrated discomfort observable at a walk.

Discussion/Conclusion: Allogeneic stem cells from 2 different MHC mis-matched donors were safe for horses, and TNCC remained within normal limits for all joints. All joints experienced an increase in the length of time it took cells to grow, indicating an effect of arthrocentesis.

Acknowledgements: There were no proprietary interests for this project. This project was funded by a Tennessee Equine Veterinary Research Organization Grant. We would like to thank Emily Austad, Rachel Hamilton, Ilana Heidel, Sophia Jackson, Dr. Jessie Richards, and Jennifer Wayman for assisting with sample collection.


No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
16 September 2024

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