Abstract: AIM: To study the effect of transplantation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on short-term heart function in rabbits with myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: A total of 30 Japanese big ear albino rabbits were selected and randomly divided into three equal groups: sham-operation group (A), control group (B), ADMSCs transplantation group (C). MI models were established in rabbits in B and C groups. The left anterior descending (LAD) arteries of the rabbits were ligated to establish animal models of acute MI (AMI) and DAPI-marked ADMSCs were transplanted into the models. Before transplantation and 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation, heart functions were examined by ultrasonographic cardiogram test and left ventricular weight index was measured. RESULTS: Heart function improved 4 weeks after transplantation and the left ventricular weight index reduced significantly 8 weeks after transplantation. CONCLUSION: Transplanted ADMSCs can survive and improve heart functions in rabbits with heart failure after AMI.