[Neocartilage of predetermined shapes].
OBJECTIVE
To study chondrogenesis of calcium alginate-chondrocytes predetermined shapes.


METHODS
Chondrocytes isolated from ears of rabbit by type II collagenase digestion, and then were mixed with 1.5% solidium alginate solution. The suspension was gelled to create three spatial shapes as triangle, circle and quadrilateral by immersed into 2.5% CaCl2 for 90 minutes, and then was implanted into the subcutaneous pocket on the dorsum of the rabbit. Samples were harvested at 6 and 12 weeks after implantation.


RESULTS
Gross examination of excised specimens at 6 and 12 weeks after implantation revealed the presence of new cartilage of approximately the same dimensions as the original construct. Histologic evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin stains confirmed the presence of cartilage nodules at 6 weeks after implantation. After 12 weeks, mature cartilage was observed and histologic analysis confirmed the presence of well formed cartilaginous matrix.


CONCLUSIONS
Predetermined shapes neocartilage can be regenerated using calcium alginate as a carrier of chondrocytes in the bodies of immune animals.
Chen
S J
SJ
Department of Maxillo-facial Surgery, Stomatological College, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an Shaanxi, P. R. China 710032.
Chen
F L
FL
Lei
D L
DL
D000464:Alginates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002356:Cartilage / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000379:methods
D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020723:Glucuronic Acid