Characterization of cells migration through cardiac tissue using advanced microscopy techniques and matlab simulation

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and neutrophils (NP) migration are important factors of the postinfarcted hearts remodeling. These both types of the cells can migrate through cardiac extracellular matrix to the central ischemic region. The quantitative description of MSC and NP migration through collagen matrix is important aim of modern bio-medicine. NP and MSC migration through peri-infarct zone was simulated in a custom-made microphantom: two chambers (bottom 10×20 mm) connected by a collagen tunnel. Bottom of the system was constructed from glass plate, compatible with confocal microscopy. System was heated at 37°C in 5-21 % O₂ environment. The first chamber was starting point of migrating MSC and NP. The second chamber included living or apoptotic myocytes (model of central infarcted). Monitoring of migrating cells was performed on the confocal laser scanning microscope Leica. Chemotaxis movement of MSC through collagen tunnel between two chambers was approved. Speed was significantly modulated by collagen fiber orientation and hypoxic condition. The speed constants of cell motility were quantified by originally-made microphantom Matlab utility and basic equations for cell motility was proposed, usable for future creating of in-silico simulator of real cell invasivity in patients.