Conclusion
This proof-of-principle study lays the foundation for further characterization of MABs as a possible cell source for intestinal smooth muscle regeneration and TE.
Methods
All experiments were carried out using small intestinal tissues from C57BL/6J mice. We applied an established protocol for MAB isolation from the isolated neuromuscular layer of the small intestine. Cultured cells were stained for Ki67 to assess proliferation rates as well as for a panel of pericyte markers to determine their phenotype.
Results
Cells were successfully isolated from gut biopsies. Cultured cells showed good proliferative capacity and positivity for at least three pericytes markers found in vessels of the gut neuromuscular wall: neuron-glial antigen 2, alkaline phosphatase and platelet-derived growth factor β.