Ventricular Arrhythmias After Intramyocardial Administration of Mesenchymal Bone Marrow Stem Cells in Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Animal Model

Background. Mesenchymal bone marrow derived cells (MSCs) have been shown to home to injured tissue and produce growth factors that aid angiogenesis. We aim to evaluate ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) and mechanical properties of cardiomyocytes after MSC transplantation using the micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) Technology; these tiny microchips implanted in the heart may be used to monitor heart physiology. Methods. An acute myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of anterior coronary artery in New Zealand rabbits, weighting >3 kg (10 min of ischemia followed by reperfusion). MSCs were isolated, cultured and re-suspended in saline for injection. Injections were done at the peri-infarcted areas, in 5 rabbits we injected MSC whereas in 5 control rabbits we injected saline (to evaluate pro-angiogenic effect of intramyocardial injections i.m.). An arrhythmias recorder was located on the animal and the ECG was recorded for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed and histological and morphological analysis was performed.