Stem cell survival in inner ear fluids: implications for cell transplantation into the endolymphatic sac

Introduction:

Cell transplantation presents a promising approach for the replacement of lost and degenerated cells or for the treatment of diseased organs. If transplanted for anti-inflammatory treatment of patients with Ménière's disease into the endolymphatic sac, the influence of the hostile environment of the scala media on stem cell survival and action seems significant. Thus, the present study investigates whether and to what extent MSC adapt to the high potassium content of endolymph.

Material and Methods:

Human MSC were isolated from the bone marrow of voluntary donors. After expansion, MSC were cultured in artificial perilymph, artificial endolymph and mixtures of both as well as in cultivation medium as control. The survival of the cells was assessed after 2 and 24 hours.

Results:

Within 2 hours, a significant amount of cells survived in all conditions. Higher concentrations of endolymph and higher incubation times negatively influenced cell survival. After 24h hours, only scarce survival of MSC was observed in endolymph.

Conclusions:

Human MSC can survive for a short period in endolymph. Whether this is sufficient and allows for the use as anti-inflammatory treatment in Ménière's disease needs further evaluation.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)