Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from the mandibular marrow aspirates.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be obtained from mandible marrow aspirates.

STUDY DESIGN: In 5 patients, 10 mL marrow aspirates were obtained from both the mandible and the iliac crest. Second passage MSCs were characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis using MSC-specific cell surface marker, and fifth-passage cells were differentiated into 3 mesenchymal tissues in vitro.

RESULTS: Average total cell yields of MSCs were 2.8 ± 1.8 × 10(5) per 10 mL marrow aspirates from the mandible. Immunophenotypes of MSCs isolated from the mandible and iliac crest were highly similar, as indicated by FACS analysis. Differentiation into mesodermal cell types, such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes, was successfully achieved in all MSC isolates from all aspirates.

CONCLUSIONS: The MSCs can be isolated from the mandibular aspirates, providing an alternative accessible source of MSCs for the treatment of future dental and craniomaxillofacial diseases.