Bone regeneration with autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells: A reliable experimental model in rats

The adult mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has been proposed to be the definitive tool in regenerative medicine due to its multi-differentiation potential and expansion capacity ex vivo. The use of MSCs on bone regeneration has been assessed in several studies, obtaining promising results. However, the endless combinations that can be tested and the heterogeneity in the experimental conditions become a drawback when comparing results between authors. Moreover, it is very hard to find autologous studies using adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSC) in rodents, which is the most used preclinical animal model. In this article an experimental model for basic bone tissue engineering research is described and justified, on which adult AD-MSCs are safely isolated from the rat dorsal interscapular fat pad, allowing ex vivo expansion and autogenous orthotopic reimplantation in a bilateral mandibular bone defect made in the same animal. This reliable and reproducible model provides a simple way to perform basic experimentation studies in a small animal model using autologous MSC for bone regeneration or cell therapy techniques prior to improve the research on large animal models.•Predictable and safe harvest of adipose-derived MSC. No need of animal sacrifice.•Allows for autologous studies with the most frequently used animal model: the rat. No need of allogeneic or human MSC use and, therefore, immunological concerns are avoided.•Bilateral mandibular critical size defect to allow direct control/experimental comparison.