The Importance of Detecting Toxicity to
the Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) System
Since mesenchymal stem cells are responsible, in part, for the hematopoietic stroma or hematopoietic microenvironment required for a functioning hematopoietic system, damage to the MSC system can also drastically impair the hematopoietic system. Damage to the MSC system can occur by several means including radiation, toxic compounds and drugs, especially those used to prepare patients for transplantation. In addition, because the MSC system is also responsible for the production of a number of different cell types, the ability to produce and restore these differentiated cells can be drastically reduced or even eliminated by toxic agents. It is therefore extremely important to be able to detect toxicity to the MSC system in order to predict whether a functioning MSC system is present.