Development of a Tissue‐Engineered Vocal Fold Cover Replacement from Rabbit Adipose Stem Cells

Abstract

Objectives: Tissue engineering of a vocal fold replacement is a promising potential treatment for severe vocal fold scarring. Development and testing of such a tissue construct is an ongoing project. We have previously demonstrated that human adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) can produce a bilayered construct with suitable properties for implantation and phonation. This phase of the project developed a similar construct for pre-clinical animal studies, using rabbit cells. Methods: Rabbit ASCs were isolated, cultured, and embedded in fibrin gels under air-liquid interface conditions and with epidermal growth factor. After culture periods of 1 to 4 weeks, constructs were harvested, sectioned, and examined with immunohistochemistry. Results: Rabbit cells attached and survived within fibrin gels. Differentiation of the cells to epithelial and mesenchymal lineages was determined by microscopic markers. Deposition of extracellular matrix and basement membrane proteins was also examined. Conclusions: Rabbit ASCs are suitable for use in a tissue-engineered vocal fold replacement. This model will be used in future implantation trials in rabbits.