Isolation and preservation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow of Arabian leopard (<i>Panthera pradus nimr</i>)

Abstract

The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an effective population of 150-250 across its entire range in the Arabian Peninsula. Isolation and preservation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells is beneficial both for medical and research purposes. The optimal protocol for collection, handling, culturing and preserving the Arabian leopard mesenchymal stem cells acquired from bone marrow was established. Anesthesia with combination of medetomidine and tiletamine-zozalepam is the safest option even for old animals with concurrent disease including chronic kidney disease.

Keywords: Anesthesia, Arabian leopard, Bone marrow, Mesenchymal stem cells, Panthera pardus nimr