Source of Stem Cells

The two main types of cord blood stem cells are: hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.

I. HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS (HSCs)

HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL SOURCES
While bone marrow is the most popular choice for hematopoietic stem cells, and has been around the longest, doctors typically have 3 sources to choose from:

1. Umbilical cord
2. Bone marrow
3. Bloodstream (also called peripheral blood)

HSCs can divide and create a population of different cell types.

The three major type of cells each cell creates affect the human body in many ways such as:

1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – the most common cells found in the blood move oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the circulation system.
2. White Blood Cells (WBCs) – works with the immune system and protect against diseases and infections.
3. Platelets - these cells stop bleeding by clumping together during acute blood loss.

II. MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS (MSCs)

The most abundant stem cells in a human body are the mesenchymal stem cells FOUND IN:
WHARTON’S JELLY OF THE UMBILICAL CORD.
PLACENTAL TISSUES AND
DENTAL PULP

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), also called stromal stem cells, are typically found in bone marrow. It can also be found in the cord blood, in cord tissues, placental tissues as well as in adipose tissues.

1. They can be found in the placental tissues where they are genetically unique to the mother.
2. They are also found in umbilical cord tissue, where they are a genetic match to the baby.
3. Are currently being researched for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, stroke damage, and spinal cord injury.
4. They are also found in adipose tissues for autologous adipose derived stromal mesenchymal stem cells transplantation.