Noradrenaline and serotonin-dependent sensitization of MSCs to noradrenaline

Stem and progenitor cells are characterized by peculiar mechanisms of hormonal regulation. Here we describe a protocol of analysis of hormonal cross -talk in adipose tissue derived multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Specifically, cells were treated by a "sensitizing " hormone/neuromediator followed by the measurement of cellular Ca2 + response to the "readout " hormone after various time intervals. This protocol was successfully used in studies demonstrating a permissive effect of noradrenaline and 5 -HT on MSCs sensitivity to noradrenaline, which is a predictive marker of the development of obesity -associated arterial hypertension.