Objective To research the gene expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in zone Ⅱ flexor tendon wound healing of rabbit. Methods Sixty New Zealand white rabbits forepaws(left side) underwent complete transection and the middle digit flexor digitorum profundus tendon in zone Ⅱ were repairedby Kessler methods as the experimental group. The normal right forepaws served as the control group. The tendons and tendon sheaths were harvested at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28and 56 days after repair(n=10). The expression patterns ofTGF-β1 wereanalyzed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry staining methods. Results The in situ hybridization examination revealed thatTGF-β1 mRNA expression upregulated at 1 day, reached the peak levels at 1421 days and remained high levels up to 56 days in the experimental group. The expression ofTGF-β1 mRNA in control group was lowerthan that in the experimental group, showing statistically significant difference (Plt;0.05). The results of immunohistochemical staining was similar to that of in situ hybridization. Conclusion The normal tendon and tendon sheath cells are capable ofTGF-β1 production. The cytokine is activated in tendon wound condition. The upregulation of this cytokine in both tendon and tendon sheath cells are coincidence with both extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms for tendonrepair.
Objective To evaluate the effect on microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of combining radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with arsenious acid (AA) locally treating liver VX2 tumor in rabbits. Methods Twenty-eight New Zealand White rabbits with implanted liver VX2 tumors were randomly divided into four groups, control group (n=7), AA group (n=7), RFA group (n=7) and combination (RFA+AA) group (n=7). All rabbits were killed 14 days after treatment. MVD and VEGF expression were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results The MVD degraded one by one in control group,AA group,RFA group and RAF+AA group, which were (38.50±0.44), (23.07±0.47), (18.65±0.39) and (11.36±0.36)/HP respectively, compared while each two groups, P＜0.05. The VEGF expression also degraded one by one, the ratio of positive cases were 7/7, 5/7, 4/7 and 2/7 respectively, compared while each two groups, P＜0.05. There was positive correlation between VEGF expression and MVD (Person conefficient of product-moment correlation r=0.47, P＜0.01). Conclusion Combining RAF with AA therapy can greatly decrease MVD and VEGF expression of tumor tissue.
Objective To explore the regulator factor of osteogenes is induced by the fibroblast in vitro so as to provide enough seeding cells for the bon e tissue engineering. Methods The fibroblasts were isolated and purified from granu lation of New Zealand rabbits, and they were incubated in the media offibronectin (FN) 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 μg/ml, respectively, in the experimenta l grou ps 1- 5，but there was no FN in the control group. The markers for osteogenic features were investigated by fibroblast morphogenesis,calcium nodules formationratios,labeling of tetracycline fluorescence, labeling of 3H-TdR, determination of o steocaline, and labeling of 3H-proline within 2 weeks. Results The morphologic al changes of the fibroblasts were manifested as transference from a long spindle to a round or multiple form, shifted nucleus increased in number, confluenced and formed multilayered structure. There was a piling-up of calcium crystals that were gradually merged into foggy substances. The foggy substances increased and formed nodules. The calcium nodules formation ratios were as follows: 15.35％± 3.45％in the control group, and 53.73％± 9.49％, 75.21％± 9.80％, 98.34％± 15.2 0％, 61.83％± 10.04％, and 45.11％± 8.70％ in the experimental groups 1.5 ,respectively. There was a significant difference between the control group and the 5 experimental groups at 14 days (Plt;0.05), and a significant differenc e be tween the experimental group 3 and the other experimental groups at 14 days (Plt;0.05). The histochemical study on the nodules with the specific labeling of tet racycline fluorescence indicated that the nodules were composed of new bones. Conclusion Fibronectin can stimulate the fibroblast to prolifer ate, secrete osteocaline, and synthesize collagen fibrils. Fibronectin, in an optimal dose of 40 -60 μg/ml, is capable of inducing the fibroblast to form the bone.
ObjectiveTo observe the morphological characteristic by implanting domestic porous tantalum in rabbit patellar tendon and to evaluate biocompatibility features so as to provide experimental basis for porous tantalum used as interface fixation between tendon and bone. MethodsA total of 48 adult New Zealand white rabbits, male or female, weighing 2.5-3.0 kg, were selected. Porous tantalum flake (5 mm×5 mm×2 mm) was implanted in the left patellar tendon (experimental group) and the same size porous titanium flake in the right patellar tendon (control group). The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation, then the specimens were harvested for gross observation, HE staining, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, and hard slices observation. ResultsNo animal died after operation. Porous tantalum was bonded closely with host tendon and no inflammatory reaction was found. Loose and thick fibrous capsule was observed at the beginning and became density and thinner in the end by microscope, showing significant difference between different time points in 2 groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between 2 groups at different time points (P>0.05). The SEM observation showed that fibrous tissue attached to the surface and inner walls of porous tantalum at early stage, and extended on the material to reach confluence at late period, but the experimental group was more than the control group. Hard slices observation showed that the collagen fibrils were seen on porous tantalum interface with host tendon, and blood vessels grew into the pores. The control group and the experimental group showed no significant difference. ConclusionThe domestic porous tantalum has good biocompatibility. Connection and integration can be established between tendon and porous tantalum, and therefore it could be used in reconstruction of tendon-bone fixation device.
Objective Bioactive borate glass (BG) has good biocompatibil ity and biodegradation. To investigate the feasibilty of bioactive borate glass as a carrier of the antibiotic controlled-releasing by implanting vancomycin-loaded BG (VBG)into the focus of tibia chronic osteomyel itis after debridement. Methods VBG and vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate (VCS) were prepared with a vancomycin content of 80 mg/g. Sixty-five New Zealand white rabbits, weighing 2.12-3.91 kg (mean, 2.65 kg), were used. The tibia chronic osteomyel itis rabbit models were establ ished by injecting methicill in-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 0.1 mL, 1 × 109 cfu/mL) into the right tibia of 65 rabbits. After 3 weeks of injection, 54 rabbits of successful models were randomly divided into groups A (n=11), B (n=11), C (n=16), and D (n=16). Simple debridement was performed in group A; BG, VCS, and VBG were implanted into the infection sites of groups B, C, and D respectively after thorough debridement. A sample of the debrided tissues was harvested for bacterial examination. The vancomycin serum levels were determined in groups C and D at 1, 2, 4, 10, 24, and 48 hours after operation. The boron serum levels were determined in groups B and D at 10, 24, 48, 72, and 120 hours after operation. After 8 weeks, the effectiveness was assessed radiographically, bacteriologically, and histopathol ogically. Results Ten rabbits died after operation. No vancomycin was detected in group C; the vancomycin level increased gradually, reached the highest level at 4 hours after operation, and then decreased rapidly in group D. No boron was detected in group B; the boron reached the highest serum level at 10 hours after operation, and then decreased gradually in group D. At 8 weeks, calcium sulfate degraded in group C; BG degraded partially in group D; and no obvious degradation was observedin group B. The repair effect was better in group D than in group C. There was no significant difference in radiograph scoring between groups A, B, C and D (P gt; 0.05) before operation, but there was significant difference between group D and groups A, B, C (P lt; 0.05) at 8 weeks after operation. The bacterial culture showed that all the MRSA results were positive in 4 groups. At 8 weeks, the negative rates of MRSA examination were 36.36%, 18.18%, 73.33%, and 81.25% respectively in groups A, B, C, and D, showing significant differences between group D and groups A, B (P lt; 0.05). The histopathological observation showed that a large number of new bones formed and no foreign body reaction occurred in group D. The histopathologic scores of groups A, B, C, and D were 6.45 ± 3.62, 7.55 ± 3.36, 4.27 ± 2.91, and 3.81 ± 3.04 respectively, showing significant differences between group D and groups A, B, and between group C and group B (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion VBG can improve the repair of bone defect in the treatment of chronic osteomyel itis.
Fluorescein angiography(FA)was performed in 31 pigmented rebbits.The angiograms were evaluated as prints and as negative film under a light microscope.The patterns of retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells were studied by scaning electron microscopy and fluorescein light one,compared with other rabbits belonging to the same species.In 58 eyes,we observed the hexagonal pattern of RPE cell.It showed central hypofluorescent area surrounded by hyperfluorescent rim,which was easily seen away from the medullary rays by three or more disc diameters and became larger in the periphery than that in the posterior pole.There were no finding in four lightly pigmented eyes. （Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1994,10:226-228）
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and validity of chondrogenic differentiation of marrow clot after microfracture of bone marrow stimulation combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold in vitro. Methods BMSCs were obtained and isolated from 20 New Zealand white rabbits (5-6 months old). The 3rd passage cells were cultured and induced to osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes in vitro, respectively. ECM scaffold was manufactured using the 3rd passage cells via a freeze-dying method. Microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). A full-thickness cartilage defect (6 mm in diameter) was established and 5 microholes (1 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth) were created with a syringe needle in the trochlear groove of the femur of rabbits to get the marrow clots. Another 20 rabbits which were not punctured were randomly divided into groups A (n=10) and B (n=10): culture of the marrow clot alone (group A) and culture of the marrow clot with transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) (group B). Twenty rabbits which were punctured were randomly divided into groups C (n=10) and D (n=10): culture of the ECM scaffold and marrow clot composite (group C) and culture of the ECM scaffold and marrow clot composite with TGF-β3 (group D). The cultured tissues were observed and evaluated by gross morphology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical composition at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after culture. Results Cells were successfully induced into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes in vitro. Highly porous microstructure of the ECM scaffold was observed by SEM. The cultured tissue gradually reduced in size with time and disappeared at 8 weeks in group A. Soft and loose structure developed in group C during culturing. Chondroid tissue with smooth surface developed in groups B and D with time. The cultured tissue size of groups C and D were significantly larger than that of group B at 4 and 8 weeks (P lt; 0.05); group D was significantly larger than group C in size (P lt; 0.05). Few cells were seen, and no glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II accumulated in groups A and C; many cartilage lacunas containing cells were observed and more GAG and collagen type II were synthesized in groups B and D. The contents of GAG and collagen increased gradually with time in groups B and D, especially in group D, and significant difference was found between groups B and D at 4 and 8 weeks (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The BMSCs-derived ECM scaffold combined with the marrow clot after microfracture of bone marrow stimulation is effective in TGF-β3-induced chondrogenic differentiation in vitro.
Objective To research the effect of porcine acellular dermal matrix in the reconstruction of abdominal wall defects in rabbits, and to investigate the appl ication feasibil ity of xeno-transplantation of acellular dermal matrix. Methods The porcine acellular dermal matrix was prepared from a health white pig. Twenty-six Japanese white rabbits (weighing 2.2-2.3 kg, female or male) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the control group (n=6) and the experimental group (n=20). In the control group, the full-thickness abdominal wall defect of 5.0 cm × 0.5 cm was made, and the defect wassutured directly; in the experimental group, the full-thickness abdominal wall defect of 5.0 cm × 2.5 cm was made, and the defect was repaired with porcine acellular dermal matrix patch at the same size as the defect. At 5 weeks after surgery, the incidence of hernia and the intra-abdominal adhesions were observed and the wound breaking strength was compared between the patchfascia interface and the fascia-fascia interface. The graft vascularization was evaluated through histological analysis at 6 months after surgery in the experimental group. Results No hernia occurred in all rabbits of 2 groups. At 5 weeks after surgery, heal ing was observed between patch and the muscularfascia; the vascularization was seen in the porcine acellular dermal matrix patch. There was no significant difference in the adhesion grade (Z= —0.798, P=0.425) between the experimental group (grade 2 in 1 rabbit, grade 1 in 5, and grade 0 in 12) and the control group (grade 1 in 1 and grade 0 in 5). No significant difference was found (t= —0.410, P=0.683) in the breaking strength between the patch-fascia interface in the experimental group [(13.0 ± 5.5) N] and the fascia-fascia interface in control group [(13.6 ± 4.0) N]. In the experimental group, the small vessels and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the porcine acellular dermal matrix patch after 5 weeks through histological observations. The junctions of the patch-fascia interface healed with fibrous connective tissue. At 6 months after surgery, the inflammation was subsided and the collagen fiber of the patch was reconstructed. Conclusion The porcine acellular dermal matrix patchhas good results in repairing full-thickness abdominal wall defect. The patch-fascia interface has siml iar breaking strength to the fascia-fascia interface. The collagen fibers of the patch are reconstructed.
Objective To investigate the effect of repairing bone defect with tissue engineered bone seeded with the autologous red bone marrow (ARBM) and wrapped by the pedicled fascial flap and provide experimental foundation for cl inicalappl ication. Methods Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits (male and/or female) aged 4-5 months old and weighing2.0-2.5 kg were used to make the experimental model of bilateral 2 cm defect of the long bone and the periosteum in the radius. The tissue engineered bone was prepared by seeding the ARBM obtained from the rabbits on the osteoinductive absorbing material containing BMP. The left side of the experimental model underwent the implantation of autologous tissue engineered bone serving as the control group (group A). While the right side was designed as the experimental group (group B), one 5 cm × 3 cm fascial flap pedicled on the nameless blood vessel along with its capillary network adjacent to the bone defect was prepared using microsurgical technology, and the autologous tissue engineered bone wrapped by the fascial flap was used to fill the bone defect. At 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation, X-ray exam, absorbance (A) value test, gross morphology and histology observation, morphology quantitative analysis of bone in the reparative area, vascular image analysis on the boundary area were conducted. Results X-ray films, gross morphology observation, and histology observation: group B was superior to group A in terms of the growth of blood vessel into the implant, the quantity and the speed of the bone trabecula and the cartilage tissue formation, the development of mature bone structure, the remolding of shaft structure, the reopen of marrow cavity, and the absorbance and degradation of the implant. A value: there was significant difference between two groups 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05), and there were significant differences among those three time points in groups A and B (P lt; 0.05). For the ratio of neonatal trabecula area to the total reparative area, there were significant differences between two groups 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05), and there were significant differences among those four time points in group B (P lt; 0.05).For the vascular regenerative area in per unit area of the junctional zone, group B was superior to group A 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Tissue engineered bone, seeded with the ARBM and wrapped by the pedicled fascial flap, has a sound reparative effect on bone defect due to its dual role of constructing vascularization and inducing membrane guided tissue regeneration.