Abstract

  Background and Objectives

  Bone marrow of adults contains a subtype of progenitor cells that has the capacity to differentiate into mature endothelial cells and has therefore been termed as endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Clinical studies employing EPCs for revascularization of ischemicorgans have just started to be conducted. In the present research, endothelial progenitor cells were isolated from peripheral blood and transfected by lipofection method.

  Materials and Methods

  All mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood by vivo expansion method and cultured in fibronectin coated dishes and basal EC medium. In day 7, the cells were tripsinized and examined by immunocytochemical and molecular evaluation methods then, electroporation and lipofection methods were used for transfection of EPCs.

  Results

  Observations showed isolated cells were proliferated on fibronectin coated surfaces. The cells were able to incorporate Acl-Dil and express CD31, CD34, KDR, VECAM-1, Tie-1 genes, CD31, CD34, Lectin and KDR antigens. The cells were also transfected by lipofection method.

  Conclusions

  It can be concluded that hEPCs express specific endothelial genes in day 7 and are transfected by lipofection method with low efficiency.

  Key words: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), Isolation, Lipofectin, Electroporation