Long-term implantation of preadipocyte-seeded PLGA scaffolds.
Studies were performed in a long-term effort to develop clinically translatable, tissue engineered adipose constructs for reconstructive, correctional, and cosmetic indications. Rat preadipocytes were harvested, isolated, expanded ex vivo, and seeded within PLGA scaffolds. Preadipocyte-seeded and acellular (control) scaffolds were implanted for 1-12 months. Explanted scaffolds were stained with osmium tetroxide, processed, and counterstained using H&E. Quantitative histomorphometric analysis was performed on all tissue sections to determine the amount of adipose tissue formed. Analyses revealed maximum adipose formation at 2 months, followed by a decrease at 3 months, and complete absence of adipose and PLGA at 5-12 months. These results extend a previous short-term study (Tissue Engineering 1999;5:134) and demonstrate that adipose tissue can be formed in vivo using tissue engineering strategies. However, the long-term maintenance of adipose tissue remains elusive.
Patrick
C W
CW
University of Texas Center for Biomedical Engineering and Laboratory of Reparative Biology and Bioengineering, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas, Houston 77030, USA. cpatrick@mdanderson.org
Zheng
B
B
Johnston
C
C
Reece
G P
GP
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D013997:Time Factors; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid