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. 2015 Mar 20;56(4):280–287. doi: 10.4111/kju.2015.56.4.280

Use of nanoparticles to monitor human mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into penile cavernosum of rats with erectile dysfunction

Jae Heon Kim 1, Hong Jun Lee 1, Seung Hwan Doo 1, Won Jae Yang 1, Dongho Choi 2, Jung Hoon Kim 3, Jong Ho Won 4, Yun Seob Song 1,✉
PMCID: PMC4392027  PMID: 25874041

Abstract

Purpose

This study was performed to examine the treatment of erectile dysfunction by use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles-labeled human mesenchymal stem cells (SPION-MSCs) transplanted into the cavernous nerve injured cavernosa of rats as monitored by molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each: group 1, sham operation; group 2, cavernous nerve injury; group 3, SPION-MSC treatment after cavernous nerve injury. Immediately after the cavernous nerve injury in group 3, SPION-MSCs were injected into the cavernous nerve injured cavernosa. Serial T2-weighted MRI was done immediately after injection and at 2 and 4 weeks. Erectile response was assessed by cavernous nerve stimulation at 2 and 4 weeks.

Results

Prussian blue staining of SPION-MSCs revealed abundant uptake of SPION in the cytoplasm. After injection of 1×106 SPION-MSCs into the cavernosa of rats, T2-weighted MRI showed a clear hypointense signal induced by the injection. The presence of SPION in the corpora cavernosa was confirmed with Prussian blue staining. At 2 and 4 weeks, rats with cavernous nerve injury had significantly lower erectile function than did rats without cavernous nerve injury (p<0.05). The group transplanted with SPION-MSCs showed higher erectile function than did the group without SPION-MSCs (p<0.05). The presence of SPION-MSCs for up to 4 weeks was confirmed by MRI imaging and Prussian blue staining in the corpus cavernosa.

Conclusions

Transplanted SPION-MSCs existed for up to 4 weeks in the cavernous nerve injured cavernosa of rats. Erectile dysfunction recovered and could be monitored by MRI.

Keywords: Erectile dysfunction, Magnetic resonance imaging, Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, Nanoparticles

INTRODUCTION

Radical prostatectomy is a widely used treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer. Yet, even with the advent of the nerve-sparing approach, erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a major complication of the procedure [1]. Although phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy is a commonly used first-line treatment for ED following bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, these drugs remain largely inefficient in this population [2,3].

Recently, stem cell-based therapy has garnered attention as a potential alternative in the prevention of ED following cavernous nerve (CN) injury. Adult bone marrow-derived stem cells can preserve erectile function via intracavernous application [4,5]. However, despite the apparent therapeutic efficacy of stem cell transplantation, in vivo monitoring of this approach has rarely been investigated. This information is important before future human clinical trials can be initiated. Reliable in vivo monitoring of transplanted cells will enable a systematic investigation of cell therapy.

Most in vivo monitoring of transplanted cells has historically utilized immunohistochemical staining, which requires the sacrifice of the experimental animals. By using molecular imaging with nanoparticles, the biological processes of the transplanted stem cells can be monitored noninvasively, and monitoring can be possible in the same host [6,7]. Moreover, serial consecutive monitoring can be achieved with the aid of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or optical imaging including positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography.

Molecular imaging techniques that include optical imaging and MRI provide high resolution and sensitivity for transplanted cells [8]. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are being used for intracellular magnetic labeling of stem cells in the urologic field [9,10]; the nanoparticles reduce the T2 relaxation time and facilitate MRI detection of labeled cells.

The present study monitored the fate of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after intracavernous injection following CN injury and evaluated the resulting improvement of ED.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Harvest and culture of human MSCs

Human MSCs were harvested and cultured as reported previously [9,10,11]. Bone marrow was harvested by puncture aspiration of 10 to 20 mL by use of a sterile technique from the posterior iliac crest. Bone marrow transplantation was done after informed consent from the donors. Isolation of mononuclear cells was done by Ficoll-Hypaque (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO, USA) density centrifugation. After collection and washing of mononuclear cells, the cells were resuspended to a final density of 2×105/cm2. The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with low glucose (DMEM-LG, GibcoBRL, Grand Island, NY, USA) including 10% fetal bovine serum (GibcoBRL) and 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution (GibcoBRL). The cells were placed in 75-cm2 flasks (Falcon, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) and were incubated at 37℃ and 5% CO2 with 95% relative humidity. The medium was exchanged after 72 hours and then every 3 to 4 days thereafter. When the cultures reached approximately 90% confluence, MSCs were detached with 0.05% trypsin-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution (GibcoBRL). Cells were then replaced for passage culture at a density of 1×106 cells per 175-cm2 flask. In the final cultured MSCs, negative hematopoietic markers were confirmed by flow cytometry and the ability of the cells to differentiate into osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes in vitro was verified [9].

2. Iron oxide particle labeling

As described previously [9,10], the liposome transfection agent GenePORTER (GTS, San Diego, CA, USA) was used for in vitro MRI analysis of SPION-labeled MSCs. A stock solution of GenePORTER was mixed into the culture medium at a dilution of 1:250, which was again mixed with SPION (Feridex, AMI, Cambridge, MA, USA) for 60 minutes at room temperature. Labeled cells were harvested by gene trypsinization for transplantation. The efficiency of the labeling of the SPION-MSCs was checked with Prussian blue staining and electron microscopy (H-7600, Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan). Cell viability was assessed with Trypan blue staining.

3. In vivo MRI

MRI examinations of the back muscle of rats were performed with T2-weighted images after transplantation of SPION-MSCs [9,10] with adjustment for the various concentrations of SPION-MSCs used. Consecutive serial T2-weighted MRI was performed for up to 4 weeks.

4. Transplantation of human MSCs into rat penile cavernosum

Three groups of 10-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats (300-320 g, n=30) were used in this study under approval of the Soonchunhyang Institutional Animal Care Committee. MSCs were transplanted into rat penile cavernosum as described previously [9,10]. Group 1 (n=10) was the sham-operated group. Group 2 (n=10) was the CN injury group without SPION-MSCs transplantation. Group 3 (n=10) was the CN injury group with transplantation of SPION-MSCs. Anesthesia was done with 1% ketamine (30 mg/kg) and xylazine hydrochloride (4 mg/kg). During the operation, the cavernosal nerve and major pelvic ganglion were exposed around the prostate. In the sham group no further procedure was done, whereas in groups 2 and 3, the cavernosal nerve was identified and mechanical crushing injury was performed on both sides with a hemostat. Then the penile skin was incised and the cavernosum was identified and palpated. SPION-MSCs (1×106) were injected into the cavernosum by using a 500-µL syringe with a 26-gauge needle. Before transplantation, an elastic tourniquet was placed at the penile base for 2 minutes. The penile cavernosal tissue was obtained at 2 and 4 weeks after SPION-MSCs transplantation.

5. In vivo measurement of erectile function

Intracavernous pressure (ICP) was measured at 2 and 4 weeks after the operation as described previously [9,10]. In vivo measurement of ICP was done under anesthesia with intraperitoneal injection of 1% ketamine (30 mg/kg) and xylazine hydrochloride (4 mg/kg). After the major pelvic ganglion and CN around the prostate were exposed, an electrical probe was placed at the CN. ICP was measured after stimulation of the CN with 1 V at a frequency of 12 Hz and square-wave duration of 1 ms for 1 minute. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured at the carotid artery after dissecting the neck to control the variance in systolic blood pressure. The measured parameters were ICP, maximal ICP, and ratio of maximal ICP/MAP.

6. Histological examination

After the last serial in vivo MRI, the rats were anesthetized again and killed by injection of cold saline directly into the heart. Penile tissue was harvested and fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, and then the penis was cryoprotected and sectioned by use of a CM 1900 cryostat (Leica, Solms, Germany). Finally, the specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Prussian blue.

7. Statistical analysis

One-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Turkey test were used for analysis. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

1. Cell labeling and histological analysis

Human MSCs were separated and SPION were transfected into MSCs in vitro by use of the GenePORTER transfection agent. Prussian blue staining of labeled MSCs revealed abundant uptake of the SPION-GenePORTER complex in the cytoplasm. However, no stainable iron was detected in the unlabeled MSCs (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Prussian blue staining of human mesenchymal stem cells with or without superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles labeling. (A) Prussian blue-stained unlabeled human mesenchymal stem cells (×400). (B) Prussian blue-stained labeled human mesenchymal stem cells (×400). Note the abundant iron particles (blue dots) in the cytoplasm of the cells (arrow).

Fig. 1

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2. Viability

SPION-MSCs were cultured for 6 days and the viability of the labeled cells was measured by using Trypan blue staining. The viabilities of MSCs with and without SPION-labeling were 98% and 95%, respectively.

3. In vivo MRI

In vivo MRI according to the concentration of SPION-MSCs showed a clear hypointense signal at all concentrations greater than 1×105 MSCs/1,000 mL on the back muscle of rats. Intracytoplasmic SPION were clearly visible at concentrations >1×105 SPION-MSCs (Fig. 2). In vivo MRI according to the duration of SPION-MSCs on the back muscle of rats showed a clear hypointense signal until 48 days after transplantation. SPION-MSCs injected into the corpus cavernosum of rats could be demonstrated by the distinct regional hypointense signal intensity induced by the susceptibility effects of the iron oxide particles (Fig. 3). The distribution of the hypointense signal intensity was located in the corpus cavernosa. On follow-up serial T2-weighted gradient-echo MRI, the hypointense signal intensity faded but persisted until 12 weeks after injection of SPION-labeled MSCs (Fig. 3).

Fig. 2. (A) Schematic view of in vivo MRI according to the concentration of SPION-labeled hMSCs on the back muscle of rats (105 SPION-hMSCs, 5×105 SPION-hMSCs, 106 SPION-hMSCs, 104 SPION-hMSCs, 5×104 SPION-hMSCs, 106 hMSCs/mL). MRI showed a clear hypointense signal at all concentrations greater than 1×105 SPION-hMSCs/mL. (B) In vivo MR image according to the duration SPION-labeled human MSCs on the back muscle of rats. MRI showed a clear hypointense signal until 48 days after transplantation. MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; SPION, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles; hMSCs, human mesenchymal stem cells.

Fig. 2

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Fig. 3. In vivo MRI of magnetically labeled hMSCs. (A) Before transplantation in rat. (B) Immediately after transplantation in rat. (C) At 1 week after transplantation in rat. (D) At 2 weeks after transplantation in rat. (E) At 4 weeks after transplantation in rat. (F) At 6 weeks after transplantation in rat. (G) At 12 weeks after transplantation in rat. (H) Schematic drawing of glans penis, cavernosum, urethra, bladder, and transplanted hMSCs. Arrow shows the decrease of MR signal intensity. The areas of decreased MR signal intensity in the in the penile cavernosum were confined locally. G, glans penis; C, cavernosum; U, urethra; B, bladder; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; hMSCs human mesenchymal stem cells.

Fig. 3

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4. Histological examination

The presence of iron oxide was also confirmed with Prussian blue staining 2 and 4 weeks after transplantation of SPION-labeled MSCs to rat corpus cavernosum (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4. Histologic findings of magnetically labeled human mesenchymal stem cells in rat corpus cavernosum after transplantation by use of Prussian blue staining. (A-C) Two weeks after transplantation (A: ×40; B: ×100; C: ×400). (D-F) Four weeks after transplantation (D: ×40; E: ×100; F: ×400). Intracytoplasmic SPION particles (blue dots) are clearly visible with Prussian blue staining (arrows). SPION, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

Fig. 4

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5. Recovery of erectile function after transplantation

The group with CN injury showed decreased ICP/MAP (0.76±0.05) at 2 weeks after CN injury (0.35±0.09, p<0.05) compared with the sham group (0.76±0.05) and at 4 weeks after CN injury (0.25±0.02, p<0.05) compared with the sham group (0.77±0.04) (Fig. 5). Transplantation of MSCs after CN injury was associated with increased ICP/MAP compared with that in the group with CN injury at 2 weeks (0.45±0.13, p<0.05) and 4 weeks (0.41±0.21, p<0.05) after CN injury (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5. Recovery of erection after 1-V electrical stimulation. ICP/MAP significantly decreased and recovered at 2 and 4 weeks after SPION-hMSCs transplantation. At 2 weeks after transplantation, sham vs. SPION-hMSCs noninjection, p<0.05, sham vs. SPION-hMSCs injection, p<0.05. At 4 weeks, after transplantation, sham vs. SPION-hMSCs noninjection, p<0.05, sham vs. SPION-hMSCs injection, p<0.05. Sham, sham operation; CNI, cavernous nerve injury; CNI+MSCs, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation after cavernous nerve injury; SPION, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles; hMSCs, human mesenchymal stem cells; ICP/MAP, ratio of maximal intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure.

Fig. 5

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DISCUSSION

In our previous report, we showed the multipotency of SPION-labeled human MSCs, which can be differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic, or adipogenic components by using Von Kossa, alkaline phosphatase, Toluidine blue, or Oil Red O staining, respectively [12,13,14]. Decreased signal intensity was also observed by in vitro MRI in the SPION-MSCs compared with distilled water and agarose gel without SPION-MSCs. To check the sensitivity of the MRI, we performed in vitro MRI with various concentrations of SPION-MSCs. A clear hypointense signal at all concentrations greater than 1×105 MSCs/1000 µL was evident [12,13,14]. Building on our previous experience, we investigated the feasibility of in vivo monitoring of transplanted stem cells in the present study by using SPION labeling and MRI.

Various reports have illustrated the efficacy of stem cells in animal studies of ED [15,16,17]. In the present study, transplantation of MSCs after CN injury increased the ICP/MAP with electrical stimulation of 1 V compared with that in the group with CN injury at 2 and 4 weeks, which suggests that the MSCs recovered ED. After CN injury, the damage to penile cavernous smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells triggers collagen deposition [15] and heralds the development of ED. Because stem cell transplantation has the potential to restore normal function following injury, repair of cavernous smooth muscle cells and cavernous endothelial cells may be a novel means of treating ED.

MSCs are self-renewing stem cells with pluripotent capacity to differentiate into different cell types. For example, the potential differentiation of human MSCs transplanted in rat corpus cavernosum into endothelial or smooth muscle cells has been reported [13,14]. Inhibition of collagen deposition in rat bladder by transplantation of MSCs was also reported [12]. Improvement of ED after transplantation of MSCs appears to be associated with increased blood flow and decreased tissue hypoxia, which may contribute to improvement in histopathological and functional parameters [18]. Intracavernous application is a commonly used approach. In contrast with local injection of MSCs, intravenously administered MSCs are distributed throughout the whole animal. Furthermore, there is concern about causing capillary clogging when larger cell types, such as MSCs, are infused, a complication that could result in hemodynamic compromise, interference with pulmonary gas exchange, and respiratory distress [19]. Intravenously injected MSCs are localized mainly to the pulmonary capillary bed [20]. Local injection may have a better effect than intravenous injection. MSCs are self-renewing adult stem cells with various differentiation potentials.

The relative ease of isolating MSCs from bone marrow and the great plasticity of the cells make them ideal tools for stem cell-based cell therapy. Recent studies have shown that in vivo, human MSCs transplanted into fetal sheep can differentiate into cells of various tissues [21], and transplanted cells show engraftment at ischemic lesions [16,17]. Also, animal experiments have shown that MSCs can prevent deleterious remodeling and improve recovery after myocardical infarction [22]. Therefore, MSCs fulfill all criteria of in vivo reconstitution of tissue [23].

The potential mechanism proposed for the therapeutic effects of MSCs is that MSCs are a source for cell replacement [24]. Transplanted human MSCs differentiate into endothelial or smooth muscle cells in vivo following engraftment in the corpus cavernosum. The present data implicate smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells in the improvement of ED in a rat model of CN injury. MSCs can secrete growth factors and contribute to reduced fibrosis through paracrine mechanisms rather than by cell incorporation [25,26]. MSCs may protect against injury by altering the microenvironment of the injury site at sites of engraftment. In a previous study, we showed that MSCs secrete many growth factors including nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, insulin-like growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor [13]. Improvement of ED in the rat model of CN injury is due to enhanced regeneration of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells by these growth factors. Collagen deposition in rats with bladder outlet obstruction can be inhibited by secreted HGF after transplantation of MSCs [12]. Improvement of ED in the rat model of CN injury is also due to decreased fibrosis of the corpus cavernosum.

Molecular imaging aims to visualize targeted cells in living organisms. Such cell trafficking studies would be a valuable tool for the development and evaluation of cell-based treatment strategies. To identify the migration of labeled cells by MRI, the contrast produced by the label must be sufficient to detect small clusters of cells and simultaneously must not be toxic to the cell or the host. Cells labeled with SPION contrast that contains iron oxide particles exhibit much higher stability in vivo and reveal stronger contrast [27,28]. In this study, MSCs were separated and SPION were transferred to MSCs. Iron oxide-labeled cells appeared as hypointense areas in tissues associated with the decreased signal intensity on iron-sensitive T2-weighted and T2-weighted gradient echo images.

Due to their small crystal size, SPION exhibit magnetic moments that are unaffected by lattice orientation and align in an applied magnetic field. This alignment creates extremely large microscopic field gradients around the particles that de-phase the neighboring proton magnetic moments, thereby reducing the T2 relaxation time and facilitating the detection of labeled cells. Iron oxide particles are a Food and Drug Admunistration-approved MRI contrast agent. Thus, quality control, sterility, and stability have been well documented.

The use of transfection agents significantly improves the internalization of iron oxide particles without altering cell physiology and therefore is preferable for long-term MRI monitoring of labeled cells. SPION particles that are used for cellular labeling have not demonstrated any adverse effects in cell viability and differentiation of MSCs [10,27,29]. In this study, GenePORTER was not toxic to stem cell viability. Labeled MSCs also underwent normal chondrogenic, adipogenic, and osteogenic differentiation. Labeling stem cells with iron oxide particles enhances the cell-to-background contrast and makes them visible on MRI. In vivo, a decrease in MRI signal intensity was found in SPION-labeled MSCs by using GenePORTER, but not in other control groups including unlabeled MSCs. The intensity and area of the hypointense signal due to SPION depend on the concentration of iron oxide particles. In vivo experiments in the present study were performed to estimate the minimum concentration of iron oxide particles that would generate optimal contrast. Since the minimal concentration of 1×105 SPION-labeled MSCs could be detected in the magnetic field, we believe that it will be possible to detect the cells if they form a cluster of 1×105 or more. Thus, we decided to use a concentration of 1×106 SPION-labeled MSCs in these studies.

In this study, we confirmed the ability of in vivo MRI to detect labeled stem cells in the corpus cavernosum of rats with CN injury. Serial imaging showed that the hypointense MRI signal was maintained for up to 4 weeks and then decreased over time. This could be due to dilution of iron after cell division or metabolism of iron oxide particles. The presence of MSCs in the corpus cavernosum of rats after transplantation was confirmed with Prussian blue staining. Transplanted SPION-labeled MSCs were observed in vivo for up to 4 weeks and remained at or near the injection site.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplanted SPION-labeled human MSCs were monitored by using MRI. SPION-labeled human MSCs transplanted into the corpus cavernosum of rats existed for up to 4 weeks after CN injury, and recovery of ED was evident. Our findings suggest that recovery of ED by use of SPION-labeled MSCs can be monitored in vivo by MRI.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was supported by a Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2010-0011678) and Soonchunhyang University Research Fund.

Footnotes

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: The authors have nothing to disclose.

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