Implanted scaffold-free prevascularized constructs promote tissue repair

Ann Plast Surg. 2015 Mar;74(3):371-5. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000000439.

Abstract

To evaluate the anastomotic potential of prevascular tissue constructs generated from scaffold-free self-assembly of human endothelial and fibroblast cells, tissue constructs were implanted into athymic mice and immune-competent rats. Analysis of xenografts placed into hind limb muscle defects showed vascular anastomotic activity by 3 days after implantation and persisting for 2 weeks. Integration of the implanted prevascular tissue constructs with the host circulatory system was evident from presence of red blood cells in the implant as early as 3 days after implantation. Additionally, analysis of 3-day xenografts in the rat model showed activation of skeletal muscle satellite cells based on Pax-7 and MyoD expressions. We conclude that prevascular tissue constructs generated from scaffold-free self-assembly of human endothelial and fibroblast cells are a promising tool to provide both vascular supply and satellite cell activation toward the resolution of skeletal muscle injury.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / pathology
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / physiology
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / pathology
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / physiopathology
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery*
  • Tissue Scaffolds*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing