Does mesenchymal stem cell population in umbilical cord blood vary at different gestational periods?

Abstract

Objective: To identify and quantitatively determine Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the umbilical cord blood (UCB) of neonates born at different gestational periods. Methods: UCB was collected at birth in neonates of three different gestational groups. The mononuclear cells (MNCs) were phenotypically analyzed by flow cytometer. Results: The yield of total MNCs did not differ much with gestation; the average values were 22.6 ± 6.48 × 106 cells/ml. The MSCs were significantly higher in the lower gestation group. These were 0.0219 ± 0.012 %, 0.0044 ± 0.003 % and 0.0022 ± 0.003 % in 28 to 31 wk, 32 to 35 wk and >36 wk, respectively (P = 0.00). There was a significant inverse correlation between the gestational age and the presence of MSCs with a correlation co- efficient of −0.54 (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: The MSCs population was significantly higher in infants born at lesser gestation than those born at term gestation.