Figure 3
99mTc lung scintigraphy at different time points (30 min, 90 min and 24 hours) after endobronchial infusion of the adipose derived stromal cells-stromal vascular fraction (ADSCs-SVF) in two representative subjects (right and left panel, A, B and C, respectively). Retention of radiolabeled cells (99mTc-HMPAO) within both lungs was estimated with computerized image analysis by drawing regions of interest (roi) and calculating the average counts/pixels (average count). As depicted, signal intensity in both patients (right and left panel), although exhibited an expected decline through serial time-points (30 min vs. 90 min vs. 24 hours), nevertheless was present even 24 hours after the infusion. The latter evidence indicates the presence of ADSCs-SVF since free technetium (99mTcO4) has a half-time life equal to 6 hours and therefore it was impossible to produce signal 24 hours after the infusion.