In Vivo Regeneration of Bladder Muscular Wall Using Decellularized Colon Matrix: An Experimental Study Publisher Pubmed



Kajbafzadeh AM¹ ; Khorramirouz R¹ ; Sabetkish S¹ ; Ataei Talebi M¹ ; Akbarzadeh A¹ ; Keihani S¹
Source: Pediatric Surgery International Published:2016

Abstract

Background: 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. Methods: 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 9 months postoperatively for further histological changes and immunohistochemistry analyses were also performed. Results: One month after implantation, partial seeding of new cells was observed. After 3 months 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 3 months of operation. All immunohistochemical markers (except markers of colonic stem cells) were expressed in biopsies obtained 3 months after surgery demonstrating a progressive vascular and smooth muscle cell infiltration into the graft after implantation. Conclusion: 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. © 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.