Isolation and characterization of stem cells from the placenta and the umbilical cord

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2008;49(4):441-6.

Abstract

In addition to its essential role in the development, nutrition and immunological tolerance of the product of conception, human placenta is an important source of stem cells. Over the past years, scientific research has been aimed at isolating and characterizing mesenchymal cells and amniocytes, which show a high plasticity and are found in the chorionic villi and the membranes. At the level of the umbilical cord, two types of stem cells can be found: hematopoietic and mesenchymal. The blood of the umbilical cord is already in the focus of attention of researchers, as an important source of hematopoietic stem cells that can be used for transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Separation / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Placenta / cytology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Umbilical Cord / cytology*