Force characteristics of in vivo tissue-engineered myocardial constructs using varying cell seeding densities

Experiments have been successfully performed culminating in functional, vascularized, three-dimensional cardiac muscle tissue. Past experience in tissue engineering has led us to the understanding that cell seeding density plays a critical role in the formation and function of both in vitro and in vivo engineered tissues. Therefore, to improve upon the mechanics of this model and to facilitate the formation of myocardial tissue with improved functional performance, we sought to optimize the seeding density of cardiomyocytes in these constructs. Neonatal cardiac myocytes were isolated from 2-day-old Fischer 344 rat hearts. Silicone chambers containing fibrin gel were seeded with varying numbers of cardiac cells (1, 5, 10, and 20 million). Control chambers were prepared using fibrin gel alone. All of the chambers were then implanted around the femoral vessels of isogenic rats. Six constructs per cell seeding density group were implanted. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation was performed via hematoxylin and eosin, von Gieson, and alpha-sarcomeric actin staining protocols. Linear contractile force measurements were obtained for each construct following 4 weeks of in vivo implantation. After an implantation period of 4 weeks, the newly formed cardiac constructs contained within the chambers were harvested. The femoral vessels within the constructs were found to be patent in all cases. With direct electrical stimulation, the constructs were able to generate an average active force that varied depending on their seeding density. Constructs with seeding densities of 1, 5, 10, and 20 million cells produced an average active force of 208, 241, 151, and 108 microN, respectively. The control constructs did not generate any active force on electrical stimulation. This study demonstrates the in vivo survival, vascularization, organization, and function of transplanted myocardial cells. It is also apparent that cell seeding density plays a direct role in the force generation and mechanical properties of these engineered constructs. Among different groups using varying cell seeding densities, we found that the group with 5 million cells generated maximum active force.