Acellular cartilage matrix as a scaffold for epiphysesal chondrocytes transfers in the treatment of partial growth plate injury

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to establish the feasibility of acellular cartilage matrix as a scaffold for epiphyseal chondrocytes to form tissue engineering growth plate for the treatment of partial growth plate injury. Methods We collected and cultured the epiphyseal plate chondrocytes from 2 weeks old rabbit in vitro, seeded in acellular cartilage matrix to form a complex. It was then transferred to the rabbit right distal femur which was subjected to growth plate injury. The left femur was subjected to the same injury without further treatment (control). The femur recovery was monitored with weekly X-ray. The morphology was studied with hematoxylin- eosin stain and immunohistochemistry. Results The right femur recovery was significantly better than that of the left radiologically. Histology and immunohistochemistry studies revealed that the growth defects were filled with cartilaginous tissue, which has a similar structure as natural epiphyseal plate . On the left side (control), the epiphyseal defect was filled with bone bridge and epiphyseal plate growth was arrestted. Conclusions Epiphyseal cartilage tissue engineering prevents bone bridge generation and also has some growth potential. It may be a suitable treatment materials for repairing the epiphyseal plate defect Key words: Tissue engineering; Growth plate; Transplantation; Cell culture