In vivo regeneration of bladder muscular wall using decellularized colon matrix: an experimental study.

Abstract

Finding a proper scaffold for augmentation is a serious challenge in bladder tissue engineering. We hereby aimed to determine the histological aspects of a decellularized colon graft for bladder augmentation in healthy rats. Rat colon tissues were decellularized using perfusion-based method. After partial cystectomy, bladders were grafted with a patch of decellularized colon. Bladder specimens were investigated in 12 rats at 1, 3, and 9months postoperatively for further histological changes and immunohistochemistry analyses were also performed. One month after implantation, partial seeding of new cells was observed. After 3months continuity of transitional epithelium of natural bladder on the decellularized grafted colon tissue was confirmed with histological and immunohistochemical examinations. All augmented bladders demonstrated a spherical shape without stone formation, necrosis or graft rejection. The presence of urothelium with similar morphology to the natural urothelium and visible blood vessels were found within 3months of operation. All immunohistochemical markers (except markers of colonic stem cells) were expressed in biopsies obtained 3months after surgery demonstrating a progressive vascular and smooth muscle cell infiltration into the graft after implantation. This study suggests that decellularized colon may provide a viable material for bladder augmentation in rats to pave the road for future applications of this natural collagen scaffold.