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A rabbit model to tissue engineer the bladder
J E Nuininga1, H van Moerkerk, A Hanssen
1Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology Center, University Medical Center, Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Biomaterials
|December 31, 2003
Summary
Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and a biochemically defined biomatrix show comparable bladder tissue regeneration in rabbits. Both biomaterials exhibited good tissue ingrowth but also significant encrustation, highlighting clinical challenges in bladder tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Urology
Background:
- Tissue engineering aims to regenerate damaged organs.
- Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a collagen-based biomaterial used in regenerative medicine.
- Biochemically defined collagen biomatrices offer an alternative for tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of SIS biomatrix with a biochemically defined collagen biomatrix for bladder tissue regeneration.
- To evaluate tissue regeneration and identify potential clinical complications in a rabbit bladder augmentation model.
Main Methods:
- Partial cystectomy and cystoplasty were performed in rabbits using either SIS or a biochemically defined collagen biomatrix.
- Grafts were harvested at various intervals to assess tissue regeneration.
- Histological evaluation focused on epithelialization and smooth muscle cell ingrowth.
Main Results:
- Both SIS and biochemically defined biomatrix grafts demonstrated comparable tissue regeneration.
- Good epithelialization and smooth muscle cell ingrowth were observed with both biomaterials.
- Bladder stone formation and biomatrix encrustation occurred in 21/56 animals, but not in controls.
Conclusions:
- The rabbit model is suitable for evaluating bladder tissue engineering strategies, including clinical issues like encrustation.
- Both SIS and biochemically defined biomatrices show potential for bladder regeneration but require further investigation regarding encrustation.
- Further pre-clinical studies are warranted to address biomaterial encrustation in bladder tissue engineering.