Figure 1.

Longitudinal imaging of transplanted M-MSCs in living animals. (A) Schematic diagram of the injection of hESC-derived M-MSCs into the bladder wall of IC/BPS rats. (B) Schematic diagram of confocal imaging of the external bladder wall and micro-endoscopy of the internal bladder wall to monitor the distribution, migration, and integration of transplanted M-MSCs. The objective lens was inserted through a small incision in the overlying abdomen to image the outer layer of the bladder. The front-view GRIN micro-endoscope probe was inserted into the bladder of an anesthetized rat on an XYZ stage to image the surface of the urothelium. (C) Schematic diagram of the migration of M-MSCs from the serosa, where they were injected, to the lamina propria and urothelium. M-MSCs initially differentiate in the urothelium and thereby repair the denuded urothelial wall, and later integrate into blood vessel-like structures. The injection site of M-MSCs and the viewpoints are indicated.