Li, ZheZhang, ZhaoMing, Wai-kitChen, XinXiao, Xiao-min2018-01-182017Li, Zhe, Zhao Zhang, Wai-kit Ming, Xin Chen, and Xiao-min Xiao. 2017. “Tracing GFP-labeled WJMSCs in vivo using a chronic salpingitis model: an animal experiment.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy 8 (1): 272. doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0714-z. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13287-017-0714-z.http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:34651924Background: The present study was conducted to evaluate the distribution of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) and their repairing function on the oviduct. Methods: WJMSCs were transfected with the LV3-GFP-PURO lentivirus. Female New Zealand rabbits (n = 24) were divided randomly into control A and B groups and experimental C and D groups to establish inflammation models. Sterile saline solution or WJMSCs were injected into rabbits via ear veins and/or genital tract perfusion once weekly for 3 weeks. All rabbits were humanely sacrificed 1 week after the last perfusion to collect the oviduct, uterus, liver, and bladder for examination. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and cytokeratin 7 (CK7) were imaged using a Leica Qwin Plus V3 fluorescence confocal microscope and analyzed as mean optical densities in an Image-Pro Plus analysis system. Results: We found that lentivirus expressing the GFP gene produced an efficient transfection. The mean optical density values of GFP and CK7 in the oviducts were higher in the experimental D group than those in the control A and experimental C groups. No GFP fluorescence deposits occurred in the bladder of the control A group or experimental C group. Colocalization of CK7 and WJMSCs was observed in the oviducts in all groups. Conclusions: WJMSCs exhibited homing characteristics and migrated to the injured oviduct to promote epithelial cell growth. Additionally, local treatment resulted in higher efficiency.en-USGreen fluorescent proteinWharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cellsTracingOviductsTransformationJournal Article2018-01-1810.1186/s13287-017-0714-z