Chemoattraction of progenitor cells by remodeling extracellular matrix scaffolds

Tissue Eng Part A. 2009 May;15(5):1119-25. doi: 10.1089/ten.tea.2008.0162.

Abstract

The chemotactic properties of a biologic scaffold composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) and subjected to in vivo degradation and remodeling were evaluated in a mouse model of Achilles tendon reconstruction. Following a segmental resection of the Achilles tendon in both C57BL/6 and MRL/MpJ mice, the defect was repaired with either an ECM scaffold composed of urinary bladder matrix (UBM) or resected autologous tendon. The surgically repaired and the contralateral tendons were harvested at 3, 7, and 14 days following surgery from each animal. Chemotaxis of multipotential progenitor cells toward the harvested tissue was quantified using a fluorescent-based cell migration assay. Results showed greater migration of progenitor cells toward tendons repaired with UBM-ECM scaffold compared to both the tendons repaired with autologous tissue and the normal contralateral tendon in both the MRL/MpJ and C57BL/6 mice. The magnitude and temporal pattern of the chemotactic response differed between the two mouse strains.

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / injuries*
  • Achilles Tendon / surgery*
  • Achilles Tendon / transplantation
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemotaxis / physiology
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix* / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred MRL lpr
  • Multipotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Multipotent Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Multipotent Stem Cells / transplantation
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds*
  • Transplantation, Autologous

Substances

  • DNA Primers