Comparison of articular cartilage repair by autologous chondrocytes with and without in vitro cultivation
Journal
Tissue Engineering - Part C: Methods
Journal Volume
16
Journal Issue
2
Pages
291-300
ISBN
1937-3384
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: autologous chondrocyte implantation usually requires in vitro cell expansion before implantation. We compared the efficacy of cartilage regeneration by in vitro-expanded chondrocytes at high density and freshly harvested chondrocytes at low density. Design: surgically created osteochondral defects at weight-bearing surface of femoral condyles of domestic pigs were repaired by biphasic cylindrical porous plugs of DL-poly-lactide-co-glycolide and β-tricalcium phosphate. Plugs were seeded with autologous chondrocytes in its chondral phase, and press-fit to defects. Seeded cells were (1) in vitro-expanded chondrocytes harvested from stifle joint 3 weeks before implantation and (2) freshly harvested chondrocytes from recipient knee. Seeding densities were 70×106 and 7×106 cells/mL, respectively. Cell-free plugs served as control and defects remained untreated as null control. Outcome was examined at 6 months with International Cartilage Repair Society Scale. Results: the two experimental groups were repaired by hyaline cartilage with collagen type II and Safranin-O. Tissue in control group was primarily fibrocartilage. No regeneration was found in null control. Experimental groups had higher mean International Cartilage Repair Society scores than control in surface, matrix, and cell distribution, but were comparable with control in cell viability, subchondral bone, and mineralization. No significant difference existed between two experimental groups in any of the six categories. Uni-axial indentation test revealed similar creeping stress-relaxation property as native cartilage on experimental, but not control, specimen. Conclusions: cartilage could regenerate in both experimental models, in comparable quality. Culture of chondrocytes before implantation is not necessary. © 2010, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert Inc.
Type
journal article