UC Davis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the safety, efficacy and immunomodulatory function of systemically administered adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in cats affected by feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) prior to full-mouth tooth extractions. METHODS: Five client-owned cats affected with FCGS that did not undergo full-mouth tooth extractions for FCGS treatment received two intravenous injections of 20 million fresh, allogeneic or autologous ASCs. An oral examination with photographs, a complete blood count, blood immune cell phenotyping and a biochemical profile were completed at 0 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Four cats completed the study and one cat exited the study 3 months after treatment. While the treatment was determined to be clinically safe, no positive clinical response was observed in three cats and a mild response was noted in two cats. Furthermore, none of the cats exhibited immune modulation, as evidenced by no alteration in circulating CD8⁺ T cells, normalization of the CD4:CD8 ratio or neutrophil counts. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Unlike the reported efficacy of ASCs in treating cats with non-responsive FCGS after full-mouth tooth extraction, the systemic administration of ASCs prior to full-mouth tooth extraction lacks substantial clinical efficacy and is not recommended at this time.