Effect of Autologous and Allogeneic Platelet Rich Plasma on Viability, Proliferation and Chondrogenesis of Equine Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Biological therapeutics are used in practice to treat musculoskeletal injuries of the equine athlete and optimization of these treatments for enhancement of the healing process is needed. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (BMSCs) are often used in combination, even though the source of these biological products may be from different donors. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from 6 healthy adult horses, culture expanded, and characterized through tri-lineage differentiation. BMSCs were cultured for 48-72 hours in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with either 25% or 50% (v/v) autologous or allogeneic PRP. Cellular viability was measured at 24 and 72 hours. Cellular proliferation was assessed at 48 hours. Chondrogenesis was quantified after 28 days in culture. Autologous and allogeneic PRP supplementation of the culture medium caused a dose dependent decrease in BMSC viability after 24 to 72 hours of culture. Both autologous and allogeneic PRP significantly decreased BMSC proliferation after 48 hours regardless of percent supplementation. BMSC chondrogenesis was significantly enhanced with exposure to PRP compared to control chondrogenic medium, regardless of whether the PRP was autologous or allogeneic. Exposure to PRP may significantly alter BMSC viability and proliferation, but appears to enhance BMSC chondrogenesis.