Urethral reconstruction by heterologous corium acellular matrix with rabbit adipose derived stem cells

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of urethral repair by heterologous dermal acellular matrix seeded with rabbit adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs).Methods Fifty-four rabbits were randomly divided into three groups.Group A (experimental group):heterologous dermal acellular matrix with ADSCs were used for repairing a 2 cm length of urethral defect.Group B (control group Ⅰ):repaired only with heterologous dermal acellular matrix.Group C (control group Ⅱ):urethral defect was sutured and repaired simply.The newly laid down urethral tissue was harvested regularly (2,4,7 and 16 weeks after surgery) for histological examination.The differences in blood vessels and smooth muscles were compared in the three groups.Urodynamics was tested to compare the differences of maximum urethra pressure before and after surgery.Results Almost normal urethral tissue could be found in group A,and it was better than group B and group C.The number of blood vessels and smooth muscle was much more in group A than the other groups.There was significant difference among them (18.1 ± 3.1 vs 13.5 ± 2.7 vs 8.9 ± 2.6,P＜0.05).The maximum urethra pressure in group A showed no significant difference after operation[(24.3 ± 2.6) cmH2O vs (25.2 ± 2.0)cmH2O,P＞0.05],but there was significant difference in group B [(23.6 ± 2.3)cmH2O vs (28.7 ± 2.0)cmH2O,P＜0.01].Conclusions ADSCs are feasible for the reconstruction of tissue-engineered urethra.Dermal acellular matrix compounded with ADSCs helps to reduce postoperative complications due to accelerated regeneration of new urethral blood vessels and smooth muscles. Key words: Stem cells; Extracellular matrix; Urethral reconstruction