Comparative analysis of mesenchymal stromal cells from murine bone marrow and amniotic fluid

Background Murine mesenchymal stromal cells (mMSC) are a good model for pre-clinical investigations, and alternative sources of mMSC are subject to intensive experiments. In the present study, we obtained mMSCs from amniotic fluid (AF) and compared their characteristics with mMSCs from bone marrow (BM). Methods NMRI mice, 4–6 weeks old, were killed and AF and BM cells collected from those in the second week of pregnancy. MSC were achieved by adhesion to cell culture plastic. Isolated cells were assessed for clonogenic capacity, some surface markers (epitopes) and differentiation potential. Results We achieved AF mMSC more readily than BM mMSC. Differences concerning colony assay and some surface markers of mMSC derived from these two source cells were observed. Most strikingly, AF mMSC showed no adipogenic differentiation capacity, in contrast with BM mMSC. Discussion Our results show that mMSC from AF are an appropriate source for pre-clinical investigation. Furthermore, mMSC from different sources of mice vary in clonogenic capacity, surface markers and differentiation potential.