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Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Matrix-assisted Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation for Remodeling and Repair of Chondral Defects in a Rabbit Model
Published on: May 21, 2013
Chondrocyte repopulation of allograft cartilage: a preliminary investigation and strategy for developing cartilage
Timothy F Kelley1, Frank M Sutton, Vincent P Wallace
1Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, Irvine, CA, USA. TFKMD@yahoo.com
Objective:
To evaluate the ability of devitalized cartilage to sustain repopulation by allogenic chondrocytes and to use 2-photon microscopy to assess cultured chondrocyte viability.
Study Design And Setting:
At an academic medical center, we conducted experimental analysis of lagomorph nasal septa devitalized by subjecting them to either 1) chemical dehydration in ethanol, 2) lyophilization (freeze dry), or 3) repeated freeze-thaw (12 cycles) in liquid nitrogen. The processed cartilages were seeded with chondrocytes isolated from the septa of either the same rabbit or another rabbit and cultured for 4 weeks. They were assessed with a variety of techniques.
Results:
The seeded chondrocytes maintained viability on the devitalized cartilage throughout the study period. Two-photon microscopy was effective in assessing the viability of cultured chondrocytes.
Conclusion:
Isolated lagomorph chondrocytes can be maintained in allogenic cartilage grafts devitalized using conventional physicochemical techniques.
Significance:
This is the first experimental study to demonstrate that cultured chondrocytes can be maintained on devitalized cartilage.
