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Abstract
The overall aim of the studies presented herein were to investigate the intra-articular use of allogeneic bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in horses for future use in treatment of osteoarthritis. First, the survivability as well as the capacity of BMSCs to proliferate and differentiate along the chondrogenic lineage in the face of clinically relevant concentrations of allogeneic synovial fluid was investigated in vitro. This study showed that short-term exposure of equine BMSCs to 100% allogeneic synovial fluid alone was able to maintain cellular viability and proliferation as well as support chondrogenesis. Next, platelet rich plasma (PRP) was investigated as a cellular delivery agent for equine BMSCs. Clinically relevant concentrations of autologous and allogeneic PRP were used to culture equine BMSCs and their effects on cellular viability, proliferation, and chondrogenesis were evaluated. No difference in cellular viability, proliferation, or chondrogenesis was seen with regards to the derivation (autologous or allogeneic) of the PRP. Lastly, the systemic and local safety of intra-articular equine allogeneic BMSC administration was evaluated. Intra-articular administration of equine allogeneic BMSCs produced no adverse systemic responses in the ten horses evaluated. Moderate yet transient changes to the local synovial environment were observed.