Histopathological Study of the Effect of Xenogeneic Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Achilles Tendon Healing in Rabbit

Abstract

Tendon is a mechanical bridge that transforms the force generated by muscle contraction into movement. This tissue is well known for its low cellularity and vascularity; therefore, any tendon damage is characterized by a slow and inefficient healing process resulting in mechanically, structurally, and functionally inferior tissue. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the regenerative capacity of xenogeneic platelet-rich fibrin on the acceleration of Achilles tendon healing in rabbits. 24 adult rabbits weighing (1.5-2) kg were used in this study. The animals were divided equally into three groups: A-PRF group, in which the tendon defect was treated with xenogeneic Advance-platelet rich fibrin; L-PRF group, which used xenogeneic for tendon defect treatment; and control groups treated with normal saline. Clinical investigation of the rabbits during the experiment period revealed improvement of lameness and disappearance of swelling and redness at the operation site in the A-PRF and L-PRF groups compared to the control group at the same period. Histopathological examination revealed a good tendon healing process in the A-PRF group characterized by a highly organized Achilles tendon and lightly stained collagen fibers arranged in parallel. At the same time, these are less evident in the L-PRF group. In conclusion, this study suggests that xenogeneic Advanced platelet-rich fibrin treatment can be useful as a biomaterial for accelerating Achilles tendon healing in rabbits and this biomaterial. Keywords: Xenogeneic platelet-rich fibrin; Rabbit Achilles tendon; tendon healing; Advanced platelet-rich fibrin; Iraq.