Transplantation of bone-marrow stem cells into myocardium is currently ušed as a new method for impro-ving myocardial contractions in patients following acute myocardial infarction. Experimental studies háve demonstrated successful results in replacing the fibrotic zone by transplanting other cells, not only by recon-stituting myocardial structure (cardiomyocytes), but also in the growth of capillary vessels. A randomized clinical trial did not show only positive data, therefore further research is needed. The current status of our knowledge about the use of stem cells in myocardial regeneration is described in this article, the results of published studies are outlined, and many important questions are addressed that should be elucidated in experimental and clinical research.

        Key words: acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, cell therapy, myocardial regeneration