Objective: To isolate, induce multi-lineage differentiation and identify ferret adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Methods: The subcutaneous fat of ferret abdomen was taken aseptically, mechanically cut into 0.5 mm, digested with 0.075% collagenase I, and cultured in high-glucose-DMEM medium (supplemented with 4 ng/mL β-FGF). The expression of cell surface antigen markers was analyzed by cytometry, and its in vitro adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation abilities were detected, and further attempts were made to induce neural differentiation.
Results: Adherent-like fibroblast-like cells could be isolated from fresh adipose tissue by tissue block adherence method. The results of flow cytometry showed high expression of CD29 (53.1%), CD90 (99.6%), CD105 (93.7%) ), low expression of CD11b (36.3%), CD45 (28.3%). These cells can be induced to differentiate into fat, bone, cartilage and neurons in vitro.
Conclusion: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be isolated from ferret adipose tissue, and these cells have the ability of multi-directional differentiation.