Autografting satellite cells to repair damaged muscle induced by repeated compression: an animal model

Repeated elevation of intramuscular pressure (IMP) causes skeletal-muscles damage. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the regenerative effect of satellite cells autografted to the damaged muscle in a rabbit model.

Twenty-four adult rabbits were randomized into three groups: 1) experimental group, 2) non-graft group, and 3) control group. The model of limb interval compression for 2 hours twice a day for 14 days was established in the experimental and non-graft group. Transplantation was performed in the experimental group and control group. Satellite cells from a half of soleus muscles in the experimental group and control group were isolated and then expanded in vitro. DAPI-tag satellite cells were transplanted back to the remaining half of the soleus muscle. The number of satellite cells with DAPI-tag was determined by fluorescence after grafts. The histological changes were compared at the time of the last compression and at the end of the 28th day after grafting.

At the time period of 28 days following grafting of satellite cells into the soleus muscle, the satellite cells from the compressed soleus muscle increased significantly predominantly experimental group (p = 0.013), whereas those in the control group remained the same (p = 0.076). In HE staining, a large cluster of myofibers and interstitial fibers was present in compressed muscle in both the experimental group and non-graft group, while the skeletal muscle fibers and interstitial fibers were in continuity in the control group. After grafting, the muscle showed a great repair but the non-graft muscle exhibited dominant fibrosis.

Autografting satellite cells by means of a small amount of expansion in vitro could improve the regenerative efficiency to repair large clusters of the damaged myofibers induced by repeated compression.

This technique may be applicable in human compartment syndrome.