Stem cells and bronchial stump healing.
OBJECTIVE
Bronchial stump dehiscence is still the most feared complication for the thoracic surgeon, with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 75%. This study reports the histologic effect of adult stem cells in the healing process of the bronchial stump after lung resection.


METHODS
A left pneumonectomy was performed in 36 Wistar rats. Half of them received previously labeled bone marrow-derived stem cells applied to the bronchial stump. In each group, 7 rats were sacrificed on day 7 and 11 rats were sacrificed on day 21. Macroscopic variables and histopathologic features were analyzed.


RESULTS
On days 7 and 21, there were fewer adhesions in the stem cell group (P = .042 and .031, respectively). Bronchial stump restitutio ad integrum on day 21 was found predominantly in rats from the stem cell group (P = .012). At that time, the same group showed significantly less inflammation in every layer of the stump (P < .050).


CONCLUSIONS
Bone marrow-derived stem cells administered topically on a bronchial stump are able to migrate, reach the bronchial wall, and participate in the healing process. This induces fewer adhesions, less inflammatory response, and better regeneration of the tissue.
Gomez-de-Antonio
David
D
Thoracic Surgery Department, Thoracic Surgery, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain. dgavm@yahoo.es
Zurita
Mercedes
M
Santos
Martin
M
Salas
Isabel
I
Vaquero
Jesús
J
Varela
Andres
A
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000601:surgery*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*