Fibroblast transplantation in the airway: implications for subglottic stenosis.
OBJECTIVE
Because subglottic stenosis (SGS) represents one of the most challenging pathologies confronting the pediatric otolaryngologist, our laboratory is investigating the role fibroblasts play in mucosal scar formation in the course of SGS development. Our objective is to establish cell transplantation into the subglottic mucosal wound bed as a viable tool for examining the cellular processes that underlie the development of SGS.


METHODS
A series of 2 animal experiments, with animals assigned to a control, vehicle-only, or cell-treated group.


METHODS
John G. Rangos Sr Research Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.


METHODS
Twenty-six New Zealand white rabbits. This animal model has been well established in the study of SGS formation.


METHODS
Fluorescently labeled exogenous fibroblasts were transplanted into the injured subglottis of the rabbits.


RESULTS
Exogenous fibroblasts derived from fetal and adult dermis and subglottic mucosa were successfully transplanted into the injured subglottic mucosa of adult rabbits. Transplanted fibroblasts survived into the latter stages of wound healing (at 14 and 21 days) and appeared to be associated with a mild inflammatory cell influx and active remodeling of the mucosal wound bed.


CONCLUSIONS
Cell transplantation is a viable tool for the study of fibroblast activity in the mucosal wound bed.
Sandulache
Vlad C
VC
Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Dohar
Joseph E
JE
Hebda
Patricia A
PA
D000818:Animals; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000637:transplantation*; D005931:Glottis / Q000473:pathology*; D006097:Granulation Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D007829:Laryngostenosis / Q000473:pathology*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011817:Rabbits; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology