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Facial nerve repair with epineural suture and anastomosis using fibrin adhesive: an experimental study in the rabbit.

PURPOSE: An experimental model in rabbits was used to compare epineural suturing and fibrin adhesive anastomosis for facial nerve repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four facial nerves from 17 rabbits were isolated, transected, and anastomosed, with an evaluation of their electrophysiologic and histologic parameters. The rabbits were divided into 2 groups of 5 and 12 animals, respectively: a 10-mm defect was made in the right facial nerve in the first group, with transection and epineural suturing of the left nerve, followed by death after 120 days. This was the control-versus-epineural suture group. In the second group, the right facial nerve was transected and subjected to epineural suturing, while the left nerve was transected and anastomosed using fibrin adhesive. The rabbits were killed 15, 30, 60, and 120 days after the microsurgical procedure. This was the epineural suture-versus-fibrin adhesive group. RESULTS: From day 30, the number of regenerated axons increased with time in the epineural suture and fibrin adhesive anastomotic specimens. Epineural suture showed more regenerated axons and a faster linear rate of regeneration than anastomosis with fibrin adhesive. The reduction in conduction velocity decreased significantly with time with the same linear pattern for both suture techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Epineural suturing offered superior performance versus anastomosis with fibrin adhesive in terms of axon count but not in decrease in conduction velocity.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Nonsuture dural repair using polyglycolic acid mesh and fibrin glue: clinical application to spinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: In spinal surgery, repair of the dura is difficult when it is torn or fragile or is ossified as in cases with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament. We report our experience with a nonsuture dural repair technique in patients undergoing spinal surgery; it uses a dura substitute composed of polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh and fibrin glue. Here, we report the efficacy and safety of nonsuture duroplasty using PGA mesh and fibrin glue (PGA-fibrin sheet). METHODS: The artificial dura mater is composed of a PGA-fibrin sheet. The dural defect is covered with a patch sprayed with fibrin glue without suturing to the dura mater. We first evaluated this technique in an experimental study by performing water leakage tests. Between May 2001 and January 2005, we used it in 160 spinal surgeries that required intraoperative dura repair. RESULTS: Our preliminary tests showed that the threshold for water pressure without leakage was 161 +/- 42 and 96.5 +/- 32 mm Hg when the unsprayed margin around the perimeter of the patch was 5 and 2 mm, respectively. Of the 160 operated patients, 10 (6.3%) experienced subcutaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Of these, 6 required a second operation; in the other 4, the CSF collection diminished spontaneously. There were no other complications such as allergic reaction, adhesion, or infection. CONCLUSION: In combination with CSF diversion, the PGA-fibrin sheet is a viable alternative method for dural repair in spinal surgery.

Arnold-Chiari Malformation↗

The role of fibrin sealants in hemostasis.

Hemostasis is a prerequisite for wound healing, and under normal physiologic conditions, it is achieved by means of the coagulation cascade. However, there are a number of surgical procedures where there may be considerable benefits to the patient, surgeon, or health-care costs if hemostasis can be achieved more efficiently. The rapid and effective control of bleeding during and after surgery reduces blood loss and can help reduce postoperative complications. These improved outcomes can reduce the need for transfusion, with the associated risk of viral transmission, and have a positive impact on operative and hospital stay times. Fibrin sealants are surgical hemostatic agents derived from human plasma that reproduce the final steps in the coagulation pathway and form a stable fibrin clot. Fibrin sealants are used in a broad range of surgical procedures to assist hemostasis, including cardiovascular, hepatic, and splenic surgery, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, skin grafting, and dental extractions in anticoagulated patients. Patients with coagulopathies are at high risk of prolonged or excessive bleeding during or after invasive surgery, and these patients may also benefit from the use of fibrin sealants. This article reviews the role of fibrin sealants in hemostasis, citing a number of key clinical studies that report a significant reduction in blood loss or chest drain output after surgery with fibrin sealant compared with controls.

Fibrin Tissue Adhesive↗

New and potential uses of fibrin sealants as an adjunct to surgical hemostasis.

Commercially prepared fibrin sealants have been available in Europe and Japan for many years. However, current formulations are exclusively two-component, liquid fibrin sealants, and delivery devices are rather rudimentary. To date, this has had the effect of limiting the number of clinical applications that make use of fibrin sealants. The recent licensing of fibrin sealants by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States has the potential to expand the use of these products in established procedures. As surgeons gain experience with fibrin sealants, it is likely that new clinical applications will be developed in a wider range of surgical specialties. The aim of this article is to explore the potential future formulations and uses of fibrin sealants and highlight a range of surgical procedures that may benefit from these products.

Angioscopy↗

Cl- regulates the structure of the fibrin clot.

The differences between coarse and fine fibrin clots first reported by Ferry have been interpreted in terms of nonspecific ionic strength effects for nearly 50 years and have fostered the notion that fibrin polymerization is largely controlled by electrostatic forces. Here we report spectroscopic and electron microscopy studies carried out in the presence of different salts that demonstrate that this long-held interpretation needs to be modified. In fact, the differences are due entirely to the specific binding of Cl- to fibrin fibers and not to generic ionic strength or electrostatic effects. Binding of Cl- opposes the lateral aggregation of protofibrils and results in thinner fibers that are also more curved than those grown in the presence of inert anions such as F-. The effect of Cl- is pH dependent and increases at pH > 8.0, whereas fibers grown in the presence of F- remain thick over the entire pH range from 6.5 to 9.0. From the pH dependence of the Cl- effect it is suggested that the anion exerts its role by increasing the pKa of a basic group ionizing around pH 9.2. The important role of Cl- in structuring the fibrin clot also clarifies the role played by the release of fibrinopeptide B, which leads to slightly thicker fibers in the presence of Cl- but actually reduces the size of the fibers in the presence of F-. This effect becomes more evident at high, close to physiological concentrations of fibrinogen. We conclude that Cl- is a basic physiological modulator of fibrin polymerization and acts to prevent the growth of thicker, stiffer, and straighter fibers by increasing the pKa of a basic group. This discovery opens new possibilities for the design of molecules that can specifically modify the clot structure by targeting the structural domains responsible for Cl- binding to fibrin.

Binding Sites↗

alphaVbeta8 integrin is a Schwann cell receptor for fibrin.

The interaction of Schwann cells with molecules in the extracellular environment following peripheral nerve injury is a critical aspect of nerve repair. A principal component of this material is fibrin, which derives from fibrinogen infiltrating into the nerve after the injury. This study was undertaken to identify cell surface receptor(s) that mediate the interaction of Schwann cells with fibrin. We found that adhesion of Schwann cells to fibrin could be effectively inhibited by low concentrations of RGD-containing peptides. Among RGD-sensitive integrins expressed by Schwann cell, alphaVbeta8, but not alpha5beta1, was found to bind to fibrin-Sepharose. In contrast, both of these integrins bound to fibronectin-Sepharose. We also found that alphaV, but not alpha5 or beta1 integrin subunit, accumulated in focal contacts of Schwann cell plated on fibrin. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that alphaVbeta8 integrin is a Schwann cell receptor for fibrin.

Animals↗

Interaction of endothelial cells and fibroblasts with modified fibrin networks: role in atherosclerosis.

Fibrinogen has been recognised in recent years as an independent risk factor in athero/thrombogenesis. However, the mechanism by which elevated fibrinogen translates into higher incidence of atherosclerosis is not known. One possible mechanism may be through the modification of fibrin. While it is already known that fibrin network is altered in disease states like peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and myocardial infarction, the influence of altered fibrin network structure on growth and function of endothelial cells (EC) and fibroblasts (FB) requires investigation. Fibrin network structure in plasma clots was modified by changing pH and characterised using established biophysical methods. PGI(2), von Willebrand Factor (vWF), t-PA and PAI-1 were measured to evaluate changes in cell function induced by modified fibrin structure. In general, networks composed of thin fibres induced growth over their entire layer. Networks composed of thick fibres and open matrix promoted infiltration of cells into gel matrix and growth of macrovascular structures. Furthermore, thin fibres promoted a more prothrombotic environment as observed from changes in cell biochemical function. Fibrin, whilst initially acting as a scaffolding for cellular and biochemical processes, may also alter cell function and determine the progress of atherosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Abnormal fibrin structure and inhibition of fibrinolysis in patients with multiple myeloma.

Abnormal clot structures have been reported in patients with multiple myeloma, and purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) has been shown to influence fibrin assembly in purified systems. Recently fibrin structure has been demonstrated to be a major determinant of fibrinolytic rates. This study examined the effects of purified polyclonal and monoclonal myeloma IgG on fibrin structure and fibrinolysis in plasma clots. Clotting was initiated by the addition of thrombin (1.0 NIH units/ml) and calcium (10 mmol/L). Gelation was monitored as a time-dependent increase in optical density (633 nm). Fibrin fiber size (mu = mass-length ratio) was measured by scanning the gel from 800 to 400 nm. Two preparations of polyclonal IgG and plasma samples from 10 patients with myeloma were studied. Both Sandoglobulin (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corp.) and Gamimmune (Miles Inc., Cutter Biological) decreased final gel turbidity as the IgG concentration increased from 0 to 15 mg/ml. Because of its high maltose content, Gamimmune produced more-pronounced effects. Over a concentration range of 0 to 15 mg IgG per milliliter, mu decreased from 1.25 to 0.59 x 10(13) daltons/cm for Sandoglobulin and from 1.30 to 0.18 x 10(13) daltons/cm for Gamimmune. Polyclonal IgG at 15 mg/ml prolonged clot lysis induced by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) from 800 seconds to > 12 hours. Similar effects were noted in myeloma clots. mu values in myeloma clots were significantly smaller than mu values in comparable normal clots. mu became smaller and lysis times became increasingly prolonged as the IgG level increased. High IgG concentrations induce thin fiber formation and impair fibrinolysis in plasma gels. These results demonstrate that fibrinolysis is inhibited in myeloma clots and that the degree of inhibition is correlated with IgG-mediated alterations in fibrin structure. Thin fibrin fibers may contribute to thrombotic risk in myeloma.

Blood Coagulation↗

Fibrin glue vasal anastomosis compared to conventional sutured vasovasostomy in the rat.

Vasectomy reversal has become a frequently performed surgical procedure with best results obtained with the use of the operating microscope and microsurgical technique. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the use of fibrin glue ("Tisseel", Immuno U.S., Inc.) for vasovasostomy and to compare this technique to conventional sutured vasovasostomy. Utilizing 60 male Sprague Dawley rats, a conventional two layered sutured anastomosis of vasovasostomy (30 rats) was compared to a fibrin glue technique of vasal anastomosis (30 rats). The fibrin glue technique was performed with two transmural sutures, was unstented, and utilized the biological glue to seal the anastomosis. The contralateral vas of each animal underwent vasectomy and reapproximation of unligated ends so that the rate of spontaneous recanalization could be accessed. Rats were sacrificed at 24 hours, one week, four weeks, and three months postvasovasostomy. The vasal specimens were evaluated for gross patency, presence and size of sperm granuloma, mean flow rates at varying infusion pressures, tensile strength measurements and histologic studies. Combining the one and three month groups, a similar patency rate was obtained by either technique; 83% (n = 18) for the sutured group, and 90% (n = 21) for the fibrin glue group. The rate of spontaneous recanalization of the contralateral vasa in the one and three month animals was 8% (n = 38). The mean flow rates obtained at high and low infusion pressures were not statistically different for the two techniques. The tensile strength of the glue anastomosis averaged 78% of the tensile strength achieved by the conventional sutured technique. The incidence of sperm granuloma after vasovasostomy was 28% for the fibrin glue group and 61% for the sutured group. Additionally, 67% of granulomas were small (less than 3 mm.) in the glue group, compared to only 36% in the sutured group. Histology revealed similar morphological changes in the area of anastomosis with either technique. Operative time for sutured vasovasostomy averaged 24 minutes, compared to an average of 11 minutes for the glue assisted vasovasostomy. The use of fibrin glue allowed the performance of a sperm tight patent anastomosis that had the advantages of reduced incidence of sperm granuloma formation, reduced operative time, and less microsurgical skill required to perform the anastomosis.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

The role of sutures and fibrin sealant in wound healing.

Sutures and fibrin sealant are important surgical aids for facilitating wound closure and creating an optimal setting for wound healing. Most commonly, sutures are used to close wounds because suture material provides the mechanical support necessary to sustain closure. A wide variety of suturing material is available, and the surgeon can choose among sutures with a range of attributes to find the one best suited to his or her needs. Considerations when choosing an appropriate suture for wound closure and healing include strength of suture, holding power of tissue, absorbability, risk of infection, and inflammatory reaction associated with the suture material. Other factors to be considered include type of incision, suturing technique, and appearance of wound site. Fibrin sealant, in contrast, is a biologic tissue adhesive that can function as a useful adjunct to sutures. Fibrin sealant can be used in conjunction with sutures or tape to promote optimal wound integrity, or it can be used independently to seal wound sites where sutures cannot control bleeding or would aggravate bleeding. This adhesive can effectively seal tissue planes and eliminate potential spaces. Fibrin sealant has been used clinically in many surgical applications, although an FDA-approved commercially available product does not yet exist in the United States. Clinically, fibrin sealant has resulted in a low rate of infection and has promoted healing. Further study is needed to determine the best fibrin sealant mixtures both to achieve hemostasis and to encourage healing. It may even be desirable to use different sealant formulations for particular clinical situations.

Fibrin Tissue Adhesive↗

Thrombotic dysfibrinogenemia. Fibrinogen "Caracas V" relation between very tight fibrin network and defective clot degradability.

Fibrinogen Caracas V is a thrombotic dysfibrinogenemia with an Aalpha 532 Ser-->Cys mutation characterized by a tight fibrin network formed of thin fibers responsible for a less porous clot than a normal one. In the present work, fibrinogen Caracas V is further characterized in order to understand the relationship between the structural defect and thrombophilia. This thrombotic disorder has been attributed to a tight fibrin network responsible for a decreased permeation of flow through the clot, leading to defective thrombus lysis due to a diminished availability of fibrinolytic enzymes to the inner fibrin surface. Correction of clot structure anomaly, by addition of dextran 40 to fibrinogen before clotting, induces an improvement in fibrin degradation that was attributed to an increase in porosity. The pulmonary embolism observed in this family has been related to an hyper rigidity of the clot, an anomaly that is also corrected by dextran. Furthermore, this abnormal fibrinogen binds more albumin than does normal fibrinogen, a phenomenon attributed to the mutation of serine in Aalpha-532 by cysteine. Therefore, this fibrinogen shows a striking similarity to the fibrinogen Dusart, allowing us to confirm that the alphaC-terminal part of fibrinogen plays an important role in fibrin structure, and to conclude that the anomaly of fibrin network observed in fibrinogen Caracas V is responsible for a deficient thrombus lysis.

Albumins↗

Dietary pectin influences fibrin network structure in hypercholesterolaemic subjects.

Fibrinogen is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, stroke and cardiovascular heart disease (CHD). This risk is increased when associated with a high serum cholesterol. Furthermore, it is also believed that not only fibrinogen concentration, but also the quality of fibrin networks may be an important risk factor for the development of CHD. CHD and stroke as a result of atherosclerosis, plus the related problems of hyperinsulinaemia, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension are strongly related to diet. The "western" diet, defined by low fibre and high fat, sucrose and animal protein intakes, appears to be a major factor leading to death. It has been established that the water-soluble dietary fibre, pectin, significantly decrease the concentration of serum cholesterol levels. Evidence is also accumulating that a diet rich in fibre may protect against diseases associated with raised clotting factors. This investigation studied the possible effects of pectin on fibrinogen levels and fibrin network architecture. Two groups of 10 male hyperlipidaemic volunteers each, received a pectin supplement (15 g/day) or placebo (15 g/day) for 4 weeks. Lipid and fibrin network structure variables were measured at baseline and the end of supplementation. Pectin supplementation caused significant decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A & B and lipoprotein (a). Significant changes in the characteristics of fibrin networks developed in the plasma of the pectin supplemented group indicated that networks were more permeable and had lower tensile strength. These network structures are believed to be less atherogenic. It is suspected that pectin modified network characteristics by a combination of its effects on metabolism and altered fibrin conversion. This confirms the therapeutic possibilities of dietary intervention. Furthermore, this study also showed that changes in plasma fibrinogen need not be present to induce alterations in fibrin network architecture.

Adult↗

Endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) enmeshed with fibrin matrix enhances proliferation of EC in vitro.

The vascular biomaterials that are currently used for clinical implants have been considered as poor substrates for human endothelial cell adhesion and spreading. Therefore, thrombotic occlusion is the predominant cause for the failure of small diameter vascular grafts made out of Dacron or Teflon. To reduce surface thrombogenicity of material surfaces used for vascular implants, in vitro seeding of endothelial cells using adhesive protein matrix is under evaluation in various laboratories. Evidences suggest that fibrin matrix is a suitable matrix for endothelial cell (EC) adhesion to the currently available vascular graft materials; however, poor proliferation of attached cells seems to be a major limitation. During this study we have also found that fibrin is a better matrix compared to gelatin to support cell attachment and spreading. However, the poor proliferation of initially attached human umbilical cord vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) necessitated modification of the matrix composition to get a monolayer within a limited period. Since fibrin can form a network of protein bundles, an effort is made to incorporate growth factors within the matrix. Endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) isolated from bovine hypothalamus is immobilized on the surface with fibrin glue (FG) to promote proliferation of HUVEC. The results demonstrate that proteins with similar molecular weights as growth factors (GF) are retained within the matrix and released into the culture medium for 96 h, in quantities that would be sufficient to promote cell proliferation. When cells were seeded on the matrix composed with components of FG and ECGF, the HUVEC proliferated at a significantly higher rate compared to the cells on surfaces coated with gelatin or fibrin. The EC thus grown on the composite (FG + ECGF) resisted the shear stress as compared to the cells grown on gelatin. The HUVEC monolayer grown on the composite seems thromboresistant as adhesion and activation of platelets are negligible after platelet rich plasma is incubated with the monolayer for about 1 h with agitation. Therefore, the composite of fibrin and ECGF can be a suitable matrix for further evaluation of patients' autologous endothelial cell attachment and proliferation for clinical application.

Cell Adhesion↗

The use of fibrin glue in the healing of skin flaps.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the use of fibrin glue has an impact on wound drainage created in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fibrin glue was prepared from single-donation autologous phlebotomy before surgery. Bilateral skin flaps were raised over the parotid gland in 10 rabbits. After exposure of the parotid, fibrin glue was applied on one side using an atomizer. The opposite side was treated with normal saline. Self-suction drains were placed under each flap and the wounds closed. Drainage was recorded daily for 7 days. RESULTS: Drainage differed significantly (P = .001) between the two sides on the first postoperative day and subsequent days. The average drainage on the fibrin-glue-treated side was 2.1 mL on the first day and 0.5 mL on subsequent days. On the nontreated side, the average output was 13.4 mL on the first day and 4.6 mL on subsequent days. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary animal investigation showed that fibrin glue treatment decreased wound drainage. It is hoped that this concept may be applied to commonly performed head and neck procedures in which large flaps are elevated and large potential spaces are created. By decreasing the amount of drainage, fibrin glue has the potential to improve coaptation of flaps and minimize potential for seroma and hematoma formation. In some cases, the use of closed suction drains may be shortened and possibly eliminated, with shorter length of hospitalization.

Animals↗

The localization of tissue factor and apolipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic lesions of the human aorta and their relation to fibrinogen-fibrin transition.

We examined the immunohistochemical distribution of tissue factor (TF), apolipoprotein (a) (apo(a)) in atherosclerotic intimas of human thoracic aortas obtained from 51 autopsies in order to analyze the mechanism of fibrinogen-fibrin transition as a part of thrombogenic properties of atherosclerotic intimas. TF was overexpressed mainly by macrophages in both fatty streaks and more advanced lesions, while it was also scatteringly deposited in the matrix of advanced lesions, especially in the atheromatous gruel. TF-positive macrophages were frequently intermingled at the base of fibrin thrombi formed on the eroded intimas. On the other hand, apo(a) was localized in the stroma and within some macrophages, and also in the mural thrombi. Fibrinogen and fibrin were more frequently detected in the matrix of advanced lesions than in that of early lesions. Fibrin was occasionally co-located with cell- and matrix-associated TF and apo(a) deposited in matrix. These findings suggest that the overexpressed TF in the atherosclerotic intima plays a critical role in the initiation of fibrin formation. This could result from either fibrinogen permeating into the intima or from rupture of the fibrous cap overlying atheromas. Apo(a) deposited in the atherosclerotic intima may also participate in the persistent deposition of fibrin.

Adult↗

Fibrin seal adhesive versus nonabsorbable microsuture in peripheral nerve repair.

Although nonabsorbable microsuture is the material most often used in human peripheral nerve repair, it is capable of eliciting a foreign body reaction, impairing vascularity, and potentially disrupting axonal regeneration. Sutureless methods, including fibrin seal adhesive, may offer an alternative to traditional suture techniques. This study compared the efficacy of fibrin seal with nylon microsuture in tibial microneurorrhaphy on 28 adult New Zealand white rabbits (14 with 10-0 monofilament nylon suture and 14 with fibrin seal). Each rabbit was reexplored at 1, 6, 12, and 18 weeks. The criteria used to compare the two methods were operative time, clinical function, electrophysiologic measures, and histologic findings. Fibrin seal repairs required less time to execute (p less than 0.01) but were inferior in mean conduction amplitude (p less than 0.01) and with respect to histologic criteria. Fibrin seal also appeared less effective in maintaining nerve approximation. We do not believe that fibrin seal provides a superior alternative to nonabsorbable suture in primary nerve repair in this experimental model.

Animals↗

Bone healing in the rat and dog with nonglycosylated BMP-2 demonstrating low solubility in fibrin matrices.

A novel form of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was explored for effective incorporation and long-term retention into fibrin ingrowth matrices. The solubility of native BMP-2 is greatly dependent on its glycosylation. To enhance retention of BMP-2 in fibrin matrices, a nonglycosylated form (nglBMP-2), which is less soluble than the native glycosylated protein, was produced recombinantly and evaluated in critical-size defects in the rat calvarium (group n=6). When 1 or 20 microg nglBMP-2 was incorporated by precipitation within the matrix, 74 +/- 4% and 98 +/- 2% healing was observed in the rat calvarium, respectively, as judged radiographically by closure of the defect at 3 weeks. More soluble forms of BMP-2, used as controls, induced less healing, demonstrating a positive correlation between low solubility, retention in vitro, and healing in vivo. Subsequently, the utility of nglBMP-2 was explored in a prospective veterinary clinical trial for inter-carpal fusion in dogs, replacing the standard-of-care, namely autologous cancellous autograft, with nglBMP-2 in fibrin. In a study of 10 sequential canine patients, fibrin with 600 microg/ml nglBMP-2 performed better than autograft in the first weeks of bone healing and comparably thereafter. Furthermore, a greater fraction of animals treated with nglBMP-2 in fibrin demonstrated bone bridging across each of the treated joints at both 12 and 17 weeks than in animals treated with autograft. These results suggest that evaluation in a human clinical setting of nonglycosylated BMP-2 in fibrin matrices might be fruitful.

Animals↗

Bone regeneration following injection of mesenchymal stem cells and fibrin glue with a biodegradable scaffold.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a combination of fibrin glue, beta-tricalcium phosphate as a biodegradable (beta-TCP) and mesenchymal stem cells would provide three-dimensional templates for bone growth resulting in new bone formation at heterotopic sites in the rat with plasticity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Growing stem cells and developing matrices, explanted from the rat femur, were fragmented and mixed with fibrin glue in a syringe. The cells/beta-TCP fibrin glue admixtures were injected into the subcutaneous space on the dorsum of the rat. RESULTS: Eight weeks after implantation, gross morphology revealed a pearly opalescence and firm consistency. Histological inspections showed newly formed bone structures in all admixtures, but none in the control groups when only fibrin glue and beta-TCP were injected. Osteopontin, a protein important in bone development, was identified by using antibodies in all cells/beta-TCP fibrin glue admixtures. CONCLUSION: Mesenchymal stem cells/beta-TCP fibrin glue admixtures can result in successful bone formation. This technique holds the promise of a minimally invasive means of generating autogenous bone to correct or reconstruct bony defects.

Animals↗