Objective To evaluate the feasibil ity of intrauterine abdominal wall defect repair of fetal lamb at late pregnancy. Methods Eight healthy pregnant ewes at 110-115 days of gestation (weighing 14-22 kg) were randomly divided into 2 groups. In group A (n=3), the abdominal wall defect of 5 cm × 1 cm was made in the fetal lambs, then was closed by strengthening suture; in group B (n=5), the abdominal wall defect of 5 cm × 2 cm was made in the fetal lambs, then was repairedby 2 layers of biological patches. After the lambs del ivered naturally, the lambs and their wounds were observed; at 10th day after birth, the scars were harvested for biomechanical and histological observations. Results One ewe of group A and 2 ewes of group B aborted, while the others were successfully del ivered. In group A, the abdominal incisions of 2 lambs healed well with a l ine-l ike scar and mild intra-abdominal adhesion, and the scar thickness was 4-5 mm. In group B, the abdominal incisions of 3 lambs did not heal completely with minor intra-abdominal adhesions, and the scar thickness was 3-4 mm. The wound breaking strength was 16, 20 N in group A and 10, 14, and 18 N in group B, respectively. A sl ight scar was seen in group A; skin ulcer and underlying fibrous connective tissue with inflammatory cell infiltration were seen in group B. Conclusion It was feasible to repair the abdominal wall defect of fetal lamb at late pregnancy in uterine. Small abdominal wall defect can be sutured directly; biological patch can be used to repair larger abdominal wall defect.
Objective To compare the effect of mosaicplasty, mosaicplasty with gene enhanced tissue engineering and mosaicplasty with the gels of non-gene transduced BMSCs in alginate on the treatment of acute osteochondral defects. Methods Western blot test was conducted to detect the expression of hTGF-β1, Col II and Aggrecan in 3 groups, namely hTGF-β1 transduction group, Adv-βgal transduction group and blank control group without transduction. Eighteen 6-month-old Shanghai mascul ine goats weighing 22-25 kg were randomized into groups A, B and C (n=6). BMSCs were isolatedfrom the autologous bone marrow of groups B and C, and were subcultured to get the cells at passage 3. In group B, the BMSCs were transduced with hTGF-β1. For the animals of 3 groups, acute cyl indrical defects 5 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth were created in the weight bearing area of the medial femoral condyle of hind l imbs. In group A, the autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty was performed to repair the defect; in group B, besides the mosaicplasty, the dead space between the cyl indrical grafts and the host cartilage were injected with the suspension of hTGF-β1 gene transduced autogenous BMSCs in sodium alginate, and CaCl2 was dropped into it to form calcium alginate gels; in group C, the method was the same as the group B, but the BMSCs were not transduced. General condition of the goats after operation was observed, the goats were killed 12 and 24 weeks after operation to receive gross and histology observation, which was evaluated by the histological grading scale of O’Driscoll, Keeley and Salter. Immunohistochemistry and TEM observation were performed 24 weeks after operation. Results Western blot test showed the expression of the hTGF-β1, Col II and the Aggrecan in the hTGF-β1 transduction group were significantly higher than that of the Adv-βgal transduction and the blank control groups. All the goats survived until the end of experiment and all the wounds healed by first intention. Gross observation revealed the boundaries of the reparative tissue in group B were indistinct, with smooth and continuous surfaces of the whole repaired area; while there were gaps in the cartilage spaces of groups A and C. Histology observation showed the dead space between the cyl indrical grafts in group A had fibrocartilage-l ike repair tissue, fill ing of fibrous tissue or overgrowth of the adjacent cartilage; the chondrocytes in group B had regular arrangements, with favorable integrations; while the dead space between the cyl indrical grafts in group C had fibrocartilage-l ike repair tissue, with the existence of gaps. The histology scores of group B at different time points were significantly higher than that of groups A and C, and group C was better than group A (P lt; 0.05); for group B, significant difference was detected between 12 weeks and 24 weeks in the histology score (P lt; 0.05）. Immunohistochemistry staining for Col II 24 weeks after operation showed the chondrocytes and lacuna of the reparative tissue in group B was obviously stained, while groups A and C presented l ight staining. TEM observation showed there were typical chondrocytes in the reparative tissue in group B, while parallel or interlaced arrangement collagen fiber existed in groups A and C. Conclusion Combining mosaicplasty with tissue engineering methods can solve theproblem caused by single use of mosaicplasty, including the poor concrescence of the remnant defect and poor integration with host cartilages.
Objective To investigate the effect of cleft palate on the development of the mid-part of the face so as to provide an optimum animal model for the fetal cleft repair. Methods Twenty female Boer hybrid goats were selected, aging from 8 to 12 months and weighing from 35 to 55 kg. The mating day was identified as 0 day of pregnancy. The goats werediagnosed with pregnancy by the B-ultrasound examination at 30 days, and were allocated into experimental group (n=14) and control group (n=6). In experimental group, uterine cavitory operation was performed at 65 days of pregnancy to form cleft palate which was a fissure between oral and nasal cavity; no treatment was given as the control group. At 120 days of pregnancy, and after 1 month and 3 months of birth, the gross observation and 3-dimensional skull CT reconstruction were performed; and the maxillary bone width named as PPMM and the maxillary bone length named as APMM were measured. Results After operation, 2 goats died of infection, miscarriage occurred in 3 goats; 9 goats were included into the experiment. The operation success rate was 64.3%. In experimental group, maxillary dysplasia occurred in all the fetal goats at 120 days of pregnancy, and more obvious maxillary dysplasia was observed at 1 month and 3 months after birth; no maxillary dysplasia occurred in control group. There were significant differences in PPMM and APMM between 2 groups at different time points (P lt; 0.05). In experimental group, the lambs had poor chewing function, and died of pulmonary infection after aspiration at 1-4 months after birth. Conclusion The surgical procedure for partial ablation of secondary primitive palate in the midl ine could make the model of cleft palate.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of poly-amino acid/nano-hydroxyapatite/calcium sulfate (PHC) Cage in lumbar interbody fusion of the goat. MethodsEighteen mature female goats (weighing 29-33 kg) were divided into 3 groups randomly: PHC Cage group (group A), titanium Cage group (group B), and ilium group (group C). A left extraperitoneal approach was used to establish the animal model of discectomy and interbody fusion with Cage or ilium. The general situation was observed for 24 weeks after operation. X-ray films were taken to measure disc space height (DSH) before operation and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after operation. CT three dimensional reconstuction was performed at 24 weeks after operation to evaluate the interbody fusion according to modified Brantigan grading. The specimens of L3, 4 were harvested for mechanical test, histological, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation at 24 weeks after operation. ResultsAll goats survived to the end of experiment. DSH at 4 weeks after operation increased when compared with preoperative one in each group, and then decreased;DSH was significantly lower at 12 and 24 weeks after operation than preoperative one in group C (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in DSH among 3 groups at preoperation and 4 weeks after operation (P>0.05);at 12 and 24 weeks after operation, DSH of groups A and B was significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups A and B (P>0.05). CT three dimensional reconstuction showed that bony fusion was obtained in all goats of groups A and C, and in 3 goats of group B;according to modified Brantigan grading, the scores of groups A and C were significantlly higher than that of group B (P<0.05), but no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05). The biomechanical test showed that there was no significant difference in range of motion between group A and group B (P>0.05), which were significantly lower than that of group C (P<0.05). Microscopy and SEM observations showed that the interface between the Cage and vertebral body in group A was compact without obvious gap, and most conjunctive region was filled with osseous tissue;the interface was filled with soft tissue, and the connection was slack with obvious gap in some region in group B;the interface connection was compact, most region was filled with osseous tissue in group C. ConclusionThe interbody fusion with PHC Cage is effective in goat lumbar interbody fusion model. The interface connection is compact between the Cage and the host bone followed by micro-degradation of PHC Cage, but the long-term degradation need further observation.
Objective To evaluate the influence of PKH26 labeling on the biological function of the goat nucleus pulposus cells and the biological function of seeded cells in nude mice by in vivo imaging techonology. Methods Primary nucleus pulposus cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion from the nucleus pulposus tissue of the 1-year-old goat disc. The nucleus pulposus cells at passage 1 were labeled with PKH26 and the fluorescent intensity was observed under the fluorescence microscopy. The labeled cells were stained with toluidine blue and collagen type II immunocytochemistry. The cells viability and proliferation characteristics were assessed by trypan blue staining and MTT assay, respectively. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the gene expressions of collagen types I and II, and aggrecan. The fluorescent intensity and scope of the nucleus pulposus cells-scaffold composite in vivo for 6 weeks after implanting into 5 6-week-old male nude mice were measured by in vivo imaging technology. Results Primary nucleus pulposus cells were ovoid in cell shape, showing cluster growth, and the cells at passage 1 showed chondrocyte-like morphology under the inverted phase contrast microscope. The results of toluidine blue and collagen type II immunocytochemistry staining for nucleus pulposus cells at passage 1 were positive. The fluorescent intensity was even after labeling, and the cell viability was more than 95% before and after PKH26 labeling. There was no significant difference in cell growth curve between before and after labeling (P gt; 0.05). The real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR showed that there was no significant difference in gene expressions of collagen types I and II, and aggrecan between before and after labeling (P gt; 0.05). Strong fluorescence in nucleus pulposus cells-scaffold composite was detected and by in vivo imaging technology. Conclusion The PKH26 labeling has no effect on the activity, proliferation, and cell phenotype gene expression of the nucleus pulposus cells. A combination of PKH26 labeling and in vivo imaging technology can track the biological behavior of the cells in vivo.
Objective To investigate the effect of hydrostatic pressure and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on the expression of filamentous actin (F-actin) of temporomandibular joint disc cells in goats, and to analyze the F-actin changes of temporomandibular joint disc cells in vitro under hydrostatic pressure and IGF-1 stimulation. Methods The bilateral temporomandibular joint discs were harvested from 4 1-month-old goats, and temporomandibular joint disc cells were isolated with collagenase. Immunohistochemical staining for collagen type I and collagen type II was performed for identification. The cells at passages 2-3 were used; the experiment was divided into 4 groups according to different interventions: the cells were cultivated with complete medium in group A as control; the cells were intervened by hydrostatic pressure (0.2 MPa and 1 Hz for 3 hours) in group B, by complete medium containing IGF-1 (10 ng/mL) in group C, and by a combination of hydrostatic pressure (0.2 MPa and 1 Hz for 3 hours) and complete medium containing IGF-1 (10 ng/mL) in group D. The changes of F-actin at 24 and 72 hours after cultivation were observed by immunofluorescence staining. The cell fluorescence intensity was measured. Results The cultivated cells were identified to be temporomandibular joint disc cells by morphological observation and immunohistochemical staining. At 24 hours, fluorescence intensity of groups A and C was b and clear, with normal morphology of temporomandibular joint disc cells; F-actin arranged in disorder in group B, and F-actin was thinner with arrangement disorder in group D. At 72 hours, the F-actin arranged regularly in groups A and C; however, some F-actin became blurry with irregular arrangement, breakage, and pseudopodia in group B; and F-actin was thinner and ruptured formed in group D. With time passing, the fluorescence intensity of F-actin in groups A, B, and D had an increasing trend, showing significant differences between 24 hours and 72 hours (P lt; 0.05); but there was no significant difference between 24 and 72 hours in group C (t=0.284, P=0.781). At 24 hours, fluorescence intensity of F-actin was highest in group C and was lowest in group B, showing significant difference when compared with groups A and D (P lt; 0.05). At 72 hours, fluorescence intensity in groups B and D was significantly lower than that in groups A and C (P lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups B and D, and between groups A and C (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Hydrostatic pressure may cause the F-actin breakage and rearrangement of temporomandibular joint disc cells, and IGF-1 can up-regulate the F-actin expression. Such effects may be correlated with the biological behavior of the temporomandibular joint disc cells.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of mosaicplasty in repair of large-sized osteochondral compound defects and the integrity of transplanted tissue with recipient sites so as to lay a foundation for clinical application. Methods Twenty-four adult goats were divided into 3 groups randomly. The diameters of defect were 6 mm for the medium-sized defects and 9 mm for the large-sized defects, which were created by a trepan. All of the defects were repaired with osteochondral plugs in diameters of 2 mm(the mediumsized defects) or 3 mm(the large-sized defects). The osteochondral plugs were harvested around the intercondylar fossa or intertrochlea groove, and pressed into the recipient sites by specialized instruments in a mosaic mode. No internal fixation was needed and the animal wereallowed to move freely after operation. From 4 to 24 weeks postoperatively, thespecimens were observed in gross and under electromicroscopy. X-ray detection and glycosaminoglycan(GAG) analysis were also performed to testify the healing processand the integrity of the cartilage and subchondral bone. Results The transplanted subchondral bone was integrated firmly with each other or with recipient sites in both mosaicplasty groups. But 24 weeks postoperatively, transplanted cartilage was not integrate with each other apparently. Obvious cleavage between cartilage plugs could be seen. But in the largesized defect groups, some of the osteochondral plugs were relapsed into the defects leaving the recipient sites some steps, leading to some degree of abrasion in the opposing articular cartilage. There was no significant difference in the GAG content between the transplanted cartilage and normal cartilage. X-ray analysis also demonstrated the healing process between the subchondral bone. Conclusion Mosaicplasty can repair the medium or small-sized osteochondral defects efficiently.
Objective To explore the osteogenic potential of cervical intervertebral disc fibroblasts in vitro, to investigate the regulatory factors of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2(rhBMP-2) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) on osteogenic phenotype of fibroblasts and to discuss the condition that facilitates osteogenesis of fibroblasts. Methods Theannulus fibroblasts cell lines of experiment goats were established in vitro and the biologicspecificity was found. According to different medias, 4 groups were included in this experiment: control group, TNF-α group ( 50 U/ml TNF-α), rhBMP-2 group (0.1 μg/ml rhBMP-2) and TNF-α+rhBMP-2 group (50 U/ml TNF-α+0.1 μg/ml rhBMP-2). Thefibroblasts were incubated in the media for about 3 weeks,and then the markers for osteogenic features were investigated by biochemistry, histochemistry observations. Results rhBMP-2 and TNF-α had no effect on the proliferation of fibroblasts from the experiment goats. rhBMP-2 or TNF-α could stimulate fibroblasts to secrete alkaline phosphatase and collagen type Ⅰ. The combined use of rhBMP-2 and TNF-α or the single use of rhBMP-2 could make fibroblasts to secrete osteocalin and the morphological changes of the fibroblasts were very obvious. Histochemical study of the nodules with specific new bone labeler(Alizarin red S) revealed positive reaction, denoting that the nodules produced by the fibroblasts werebone tissues. There was statistically significant difference(Plt;0.05) inALP activity between 3 experimental groups and control group and in secretion of osteocalcin between rhBMP-2 group, TNF-α+rhBMP-2 group and control group. Conclusion The results point out clearly that rhBMP-2 can induce theosteogenic potential of annulus fibroblasts in vitro.
Objective To study the vascularization of the compositeof bio-derived bone and marrow stromal stem cells(MSCs) in repairing goat tibial shaft defect.Methods Bio-derived bone was processed as scaffold material. MSCs were harvested and cultured in vitro. The multiplied and induced cells were seeded onto the scaffold to construct tissue engineered bone. A 20 mm segmental bone defect inlength was made in the middle of the tibia shaft in 20 mature goats and fixed with plate. The right tibia defect was repaired by tissue engineered bone (experimental side), and the left one was repaired by scaffold material (control side).The vascularization and osteogenesis of the implants were evaluated by transparent thick slide, image analysis of the vessels, and histology with Chinese ink perfusion 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after operation.Results More new vessels were found in control side than in experimental side 2 and 4 weeks after implantation (Plt;0.05). After 8 weeks, there was no significant difference in number of vessels between two sides(Pgt;0.05), and the implants were vascularized completely. New bone tissue was formed gradually as the time and the scaffold material degraded quickly after 6 and 8 weeks in the experimental side. However, no new bone tissue was formed andthe scaffold degraded slowly in control side 8 weeks after operation.Conclusion Bio-derived bone has good quality of vascularization. The ability of tissue-engineered bone to repair bone defect is better than that of bio-derived bone alone.
Objective To evaluate the application of artificial lamina of multi-amino-acid copolymer (MAACP)/nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) in prevention of epidural adhesion and compression of scar tissue after posterior cervical laminectomy. Methods Fifteen 2-year-old male goats [weighing, (30 ± 2) kg] were randomly divided into experimental group (n=9) and control group (n=6). In the experimental group, C4 laminectomy was performed, followed by MAACP/n-HA artificial lamina implantations; in the control group, only C4 laminectomy was performed. At 4, 12, and 24 weeks after operation, 2, 2, and 5 goats in the experimental group and 2, 2, and 2 goats in the control group were selected for observation of wound infection, artificial laminar fragmentation and displacement, and its shape; Rydell’s degree of adhesion criteria was used to evaluate the adhesion degree between 2 groups. X-ray and CT images were observed; at 24 weeks after operation, CT scan was used to measure the spinal canal area and the sagittal diameter of C3, C4, and C5 vertebrea, 2 normal goats served as normal group; and MRI was used to assess adhesion and compression of scar tissue on the dura and the nerve root. Then goats were sacrificed and histological observation was carried out. Results After operation, the wound healed well; no toxicity or elimination reaction was observed. According to Rydell’s degree of adhesion criteria, adhesion in the experimental group was significantly slighter than that in the control group (Z= — 2.52, P=0.00). X-ray and CT scan showed that no dislocation of artificial lamina occurred, new cervical bone formed in the defect, and bony spinal canal was rebuilt in the experimental group. Defects of C4 vertebral plate and spinous process were observed in the control group. At 24 weeks, the spinal canal area and sagittal diameter of C4 in the experimental group and normal group were significantly larger than those in the control group (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between experimental group and normal group (P gt; 0.05). MRI showed cerebrospinal fluid signal was unobstructed and no soft tissue projected into the spinal canal in the experimental group; scar tissue projected into the spinal canal and the dura were compressed by scar tissue in the control group. HE staining and Masson trichrome staining showed that artificial lamina had no obvious degradation with high integrity, some new bone formed at interface between the artificial material and bone in the experimental group; fibrous tissue grew into defect in the control group. Conclusion The MAACP/n-HA artificial lamina could maintaine good biomechanical properties for a long time in vivo and could effectively prevent the epidural scar from growing in the lamina defect area.