Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been isolated from equine tissues, most notably adipose and bonemarrow. On the basis of ability for self-renewal, molecular marker expression and differentiation potential, we characterized MSCs isolated from a tissue not yet explored in the equine. After isolation, MSCs weremaintained in culture for 25 passages before senescence was observed. Reverse transcription-PCR revealedembryonic transcription factor Oct4 mRNA, as well as mRNA for fucosyltransferase 4 and ST3B-galactosid α 2,3 sialySSEA4, respylxanthine l ltransferase 2, two enzymes responsible for synthesis of embryonic surface markersSSEA1 and ectively. Treatment with insulin, dexamethasone, indomethacin andisobutylmethed to increased oil red O staining (
