Stable Tracheal Regeneration Using Organotypically Cultured Tissue Composed of Autologous Chondrocytes and Epithelial Cells in Beagles.

Objectives: In tracheal regeneration, the slow process of epithelialization is often a barrier to the stability and safety of the transplanted trachea. The aim of this study was to examine a new tracheal regeneration technique using organotypically cultured tissue composed of autologous cells. Methods: Nine beagles were prepared. Chondrocytes from auricular cartilage and epithelial cells from buccal mucosa were isolated and cultured. Tissue-engineered cartilages were fabricated with chondrocytes at a density of 1 x 107 cells/mL (high-density group) and 1 x 106 cells/mL (low-density group). A fabricated epithelial cell sheet was laid on a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) block in atelocollagen gel containing the chondrocytes, and the organotypically cultured tissues were transplanted into a partially resected trachea. The control group had only the block transplanted. Results: The tissue-engineered cartilages in the high-density group contained many viable chondrocytes and many cartilage matrices. The low-density group had abundant collagen fibers and no chondrocytes. Tracheal endoscopy revealed no deformation or atrophy at the transplant site in the high-density group. Histologically, partially hyaline cartilages covered with epithelium and lamina propria were found in the high-density group but not in the low-density and control groups. Conclusions: Stable tracheal regeneration was achieved using organotypically cultured tissue fabricated with autologous high-density chondrocytes and epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]