Stored human septal chondrocyte viability analyzed by confocal microscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the effects of prolonged storage time, at warm and cold temperatures, on the viability of human nasal septal chondrocytes and to understand the implications for tissue engineering of septal cartilage.


METHODS
Basic science.


METHODS
Septal cartilage was obtained from 10 patients and placed in bacteriostatic isotonic sodium chloride solution. Four specimens were kept at 23 degrees C, and 4 were kept at 4 degrees C. The viability of the chondrocytes within the cartilage was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy every 5 days. The 2 other specimens were assessed for viability on the day of harvest.


RESULTS
Viability on the day of harvest was 96%, implying minimal cell death from surgical trauma. After 1 week, cell survival in all specimens was essentially unchanged from the day of harvest. At 23 degrees C, the majority (54%) of cells were alive after 20 days. At 4 degrees C, 70% of cells survived 1 month and 38% were alive at 2 months. Qualitatively, chondrocytes died in a topographically uniform distribution in warm specimens, whereas cold specimens displayed a more irregular pattern of cell death.


CONCLUSIONS
Septal chondrocytes remain viable for prolonged periods when stored in simple bacteriostatic isotonic sodium chloride solution, and such survival is enhanced by cold storage.
Hicks
David L
DL
Division of Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs Hospital 92161, USA. dalahicks@yahoo.com
Sage
August B
AB
Schumacher
Barbara L
BL
Jadin
Kyle D
KD
Agustin
Ramses M
RM
Sah
Robert L
RL
Watson
Deborah
D
D000328:Adult; D002470:Cell Survival; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008875:Middle Aged; D009300:Nasal Septum; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013696:Temperature; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D014021:Tissue Preservation
D012965:Sodium Chloride