Comparative Evaluation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Fetal (Wharton's Jelly) and Adult (Adipose Tissue) Origin during Prolonged In Vitro Expansion: Considerations for Cytotherapy

Figure 3

Phenotypic properties of WJSC and ADSC at early and late passages. (a) Light microscopy photos illustrating cell morphology; arrows show cells with type III morphology. Top row, phase contrast. Mag. = 25x. (b) Senescence, as depicted by β-gal staining. Mag. = 25x. Subpanel shows a giant cell (>650 μm in length) with typical senescent phenotype. (c) Crystal violet staining of CFU-F (self-renewal capacity). (d) Formation of CFU-ALP (osteoprogenitor colonies). (e) Calcified bone nodule formation in response to osteogenic stimulation. Subpanel illustrates a typical alizarin red-stained bone nodule at high magnification (25x). Scale bars: (a) and (b) 100 μm, (c) and (d) 10 mm, and (e) 4 mm.