Expanded phenotypically stable chondrocytes persist in the repair tissue and contribute to cartilage matrix formation and structural integration in a goat model of autologous chondrocyte implantation.
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an established technique to repair joint surface defects. Although there is some indirect evidence that the expanded chondrocytes are required to achieve proper healing, the role they play in the repair process is not clear yet. To monitor the persistence and the phenotype of the injected chondrocytes in the repair tissue (RT) we have optimized a fluorescent labeling protocol for articular chondrocytes, which allows cell tracking in vivo for up to 14 weeks, using the fluorescent dye PKH26. We have combined in vivo cell tracking, with the immune-detection of collagen type II protein in a goat model of ACI. Our data indicate that the implanted cells can persist for at least 14 weeks in the defects, can participate in the integration with the surrounding tissues, and become structural part of the RT, rich in collagen type II and sulfated proteoglycans. Albeit with a small number of samples, our data provide proof of principal that the implanted chondrocytes can contribute to structural cartilage repair in a goat model of ACI.
Dell'Accio
Francesco
F
Laboratory for Skeletal Development and Joint Disorders, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Onderwijs & Navorsing, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Vanlauwe
Johan
J
Bellemans
Johan
J
Neys
Johan
J
De Bari
Cosimo
C
Luyten
Frank P
FP
D000818:Animals; D002356:Cartilage / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006041:Goats; D006085:Graft Survival; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D010641:Phenotype; D013524:Surgical Flaps
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D009930:Organic Chemicals; C070080:PKH 26