Cord Tissue vs Cord Blood vs Placental Stem Cells: What’s the Difference?

The birth of a baby brings a brief opportunity to collect biological materials that contains valuable stem cells. Cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, and the placenta are three such sources. They contain different types of cells with distinct properties and potential medical applications.

Cord blood is a source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which are used in certain blood and immune system transplants. Cord tissue and the placenta contain mesenchymal stem cells and other cell populations that are being studied for applications in regenerative medicine.

What Is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord following birth. Cord blood is collected after birth, once the cord has been clamped and cut. Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which are precursors to the blood cells like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Hematopoietic cells are used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cord blood transplants are indicated for specific blood cancers, bone marrow failure syndromes, inherited blood disorders, and some immunodeficiencies. 

What Is Cord Tissue?

Cord tissue is the soft, connective tissue of the umbilical cord. A major part of this tissue is Wharton's jelly, which surrounds and protects the umbilical cord blood vessels. Wharton's jelly is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Research shows that these cells can renew themselves, develop into different cell types, and interact with the immune system. Hence, cord tissue derived cells are being studied and used for regenerative medicine, tissue repair and other medical applications. 

What Are Placental Stem Cells?

The placenta is formed during pregnancy and supports the developing baby. It contains various cells like hematopoietic stem cells, progenitor cells and also mesenchymal stem cells. Placental cells can be derived from different regions, including the amnion, chorion and placental villous tissue. These different sources contain varied cell populations and characteristics. Placental cells are being studied and used in regenerative medicine, tissue repair and cell based therapies. 

Cord Blood Vs Cord Tissue Vs Placental Stem Cells 

Understanding what each source contains, how it is collected, and where its cells are used can help parents make an informed decision about stem cell banking.

To Note: In India, cord blood banking is permitted under regulatory oversight. Routine banking of cord tissue and placental tissue for stem cell use is not currently permitted. 

Types Of Stem Cells In Cord Blood

The major stem cell population in cord blood is the hematopoietic stem cells. They can produce different blood cells. These include:

• Red blood cells, which carry oxygen
• White blood cells, which support immune function
• Platelets, which help with blood clotting

Cord blood also contains progenitor cells that contribute to blood cell production. This combination makes cord blood useful in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and also in certain blood and immune disorders. 

Types Of Stem Cells In Cord Tissue

The most studied stem cell population in cord tissue is the mesenchymal stem cell obtained from Wharton's jelly. These cells can interact with surrounding cells and immune pathways and develop into different cell types. Research involving cord tissue-derived cells is focused on areas such as:

• Tissue repair
• Regenerative medicine
• Cell-based therapies
• Immune modulation

Types Of Stem Cells In The Placenta

Unlike cord blood and tissue, the placenta contains multiple progenitor and stem cell populations.These include:

1) Mesenchymal stem cells

Placental mesenchymal stem cells have been isolated from tissue layers such as the chorion, amnion and placental villi. Studies have been conducted due to their ability to differentiate into various cell lineages and their role in regenerative medicine. 

2) Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

The placenta also contains blood forming stem and progenitor cells. These cells contribute to the development of the fetal blood system and have been studied for their medical applications. 

Of the different biological materials available at birth, cord blood has an established process for collection, processing and long-term storage.

What Happens After Cord Blood Collection?

Cord blood banking involves preserving the collected blood for potential future use. The basic process involves:

• Birth and cord clamping: After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut.
• Cord blood collection: Blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta is collected using a sterile collection bag. The procedure is performed after the cord has been separated from the baby.
• Transport to the laboratory: The collected cord blood unit is securely labelled and transported to the cord blood bank under controlled conditions for processing.
• Testing and processing: The sample is tested for factors such as cell count, viability, blood group and infectious diseases. It is then processed to prepare the stem cell rich fraction for storage.
• Cryopreservation: The processed cord blood is mixed with a cryoprotective solution and gradually cooled to very low temperatures to protect the cells from damage.
• Long-term storage: The cryopreserved unit is stored in specialised liquid-nitrogen or nitrogen-vapour storage systems under controlled conditions until it is needed. 

There are three main approaches to cord blood banking.

• Public cord blood banking: A donated unit is stored in a public bank and can be matched with a patient who needs a stem cell transplant. 
• Private cord blood banking: A private bank stores the cord blood for the child or family.
• Community cord blood banking: Cord blood units are stored as part of a shared community inventory and may be accessed by eligible patients who need a suitable stem cell match. 

The type of biological material being preserved can determine the banking option and associated costs.

Storage Options And Costs

Parents may come across several banking options, including:

• Cord blood banking
• Cord tissue banking
• Combined cord blood and cord tissue banking
• Placental tissue or cell banking, where available

The cost of stem cell banking varies depending on the provider, country and package selected. Charges may include collection, processing, testing, cryopreservation and long-term storage. 

Final Takeaway

Cord blood, cord tissue and placental tissue are all valuable sources of stem cells. Cord blood is a source of hematopoietic stem cells, which are used in certain blood and immune system transplants. Cord tissue is associated with mesenchymal stem cells, while the placenta contains a wider range of stem and progenitor cells. 

For expecting parents considering stem cell banking, understanding what can be stored, what cells it contains, how it is preserved and its potential applications can help you make an informed decision.

If you are considering cord blood banking, explore your options before delivery to understand the collection and preservation process.

FAQs

Q1) Is cord blood the same as stem cells?

No. Cord blood is the source material, while stem cells are cells found in them. Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells along with other blood and immune cells. 

Q2) Is placenta rich in stem cells?

Yes, the placenta contains various stem and progenitor cells, including hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. 

Q3) Are embryonic stem cells the same as umbilical cord stem cells?

No. They are different types of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from the early embryo and can differentiate into any type of cell. Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which are use in stem cell transplants .