Effect of disruption of Akt-1 of lin(-)c-kit(+) stem cells on myocardial performance in infarcted heart.

Our results demonstrate that the peripheral administration of Wt lin(-)c-kit(+) stem cells restores ventricular function and promotes angiogenic response following MI. These benefits were abrogated in MI mice receiving Akt-1(-/-) stem cells, suggesting the pivotal role of Akt-1 in mediating stem cells to protect MI hearts.