Functional Reconstruction of Tracheal Defects by Protein-Loaded, Cell-Seeded, Fibrous Constructs in Rabbits

Tissue Eng Part A. 2015 Sep;21(17-18):2390-403. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEA.2015.0157. Epub 2015 Jul 22.

Abstract

Tracheal stenosis is a life-threatening disease and current treatments include surgical reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage and the highly complex slide tracheoplasty surgical technique. We propose using a sustainable implant, composed of a tunable, fibrous scaffold with encapsulated chondrogenic growth factor (transforming growth factor-beta3 [TGF-β3]) or seeded allogeneic rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). In vivo functionality of these constructs was determined by implanting them in induced tracheal defects in rabbits for 6 or 12 weeks. The scaffolds maintained functional airways in a majority of the cases, with the BMSC-seeded group having an improved survival rate and the Scaffold-only group having a higher occurrence of more patent airways as determined by microcomputed tomography. The BMSC group had a greater accumulation of inflammatory cells over the graft, while also exhibiting normal epithelium, subepithelium, and cartilage formation. Overall, it was concluded that a simple, acellular scaffold is a viable option for tracheal tissue engineering, with the intraoperative addition of cells being an optional variation to the scaffolds.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Male
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Rabbits
  • Survival Analysis
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*
  • Trachea / blood supply
  • Trachea / diagnostic imaging
  • Trachea / pathology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta3 / metabolism*
  • X-Ray Microtomography

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta3
  • Collagen