Objective: To explore the potential applications of a chamber for in vivo tissue engineering, and to establish a novel model for in vivo tissue-engineered cartilage.
Methods: Four experimental groups were included in this study: (A) chambers + chondrocytes/collagen gel; (B) chambers + chondrocytes/PLGA gel; (C) chondrocytes/collagen gel alone; and (D) chondrocytes/PLGA gel alone. Groups C and D served as controls. The samples were implanted subcutaneously in the donor rabbit, and the contents were harvested at 8 wk after implantation.
Results: Histologic and immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR results revealed regenerated cartilage-like tissue in group B and small, irregularly shaped islands of opalescent tissue in group A. In contrast, the control groups displayed vascular invasion and inflammatory reaction, which eventually led to fibrosis and absorption.
Conclusions: Reproduced cartilages were obtained in an immunocompetent animal model through the use of a bioinert perforated chamber.
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