Does Mesenchymal Stem Cell Population in Umbilical Cord Blood Vary at Different Gestational Periods?

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.