Figure 4: MagBICE₁ infusion and magnetic targeting enrich endogenous stem cells in the infarct and ameliorate ventricular dysfunction.

(a) Schematic showing therapeutic efficacy studies of MagBICE₂ (CD34-Fe-MLC) and magnetic targeting in rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury. (b) T₂* weighted MRI images showing the specific targeting of MagBICE₂ to injured myocardium. The presence of iron-created signal void (dark area; pointed with yellow arrows). The iron signal intensity of the heart anterior wall was quantified and normalized to adjacent tissue (P<0.0001; n=3 animals). Scale bars, 0.5 cm. (c) Confocal microscopic images showing MagBICE₂-recruited endogenous CD34-positive cells (white) to the infarct area (P<0.0036; n=3 animals and 27 microscopic fields). (d) Masson’s trichrome images showing scar (blue) and viable (red) tissues in the heart 4 weeks post MI. Infusion of MagBICE₂ with magnetic targeting preserved viable tissue in the risk region (P<0.0001; n=3 animals and nine sections). (e) Echocardiography reveals no difference in LVEFs among the groups at baseline (P=0.9424; n=6 animals). Four weeks later, animals treated with MagBICE₂+Magnet had greater LVEFs than those received control or FH therapies (P<0.0001; n=6 animals), and greater treatment effects (change in LVEF over the 4-week time course; P<0.0001; n=6 animals). ^#P<0.05 when compared with control or FH group. *P<0.05 when compared with any other groups.