Expression of SDF-1-CXCR4 axis and an anti-remodelling effectiveness of foetal-liver stem cell transplantation in the infarcted rat heart.

SDF-1, a chemokine secreted by injured tissues, may be instrumental in chemoattracting CXCR4(+) stem cells (SCs) for repair of infarcted myocardium. We hypothesize that the myocardial SDF-1 expression determines also the engraftment and beneficial effects of SCs transplanted into the infarcted heart. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in rats by coronary artery ligation.