Canine Stem Cell Conditioned Media Accelerates Epithelial Migration in the Canine Tympanic Membrane

Similar to skin, epithelia in the tympanic membrane (TM) regenerate and move toward the opening of the external ear canal, a process called epithelial migration (EM). EM is important for maintaining healthy ears because this process removes cerumen and debris. Therefore, increasing the rate of EM or TM regeneration could be very important for healthy ear maintenance and function. Stem cells or their conditioned media have been used in medical therapy in humans to increase the rate and efficacy of EM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of canine stem cell conditioned media to accelerate EM in canine TMs. Canine adipose tissue derived-mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media (cAD-MSCCM), and several cytokines related to keratinocyte growth or migration within the media were quantified using ELISA. Ink drops were placed on the TMs of four normal beagles. Then, cAD-MSCCM was applied weekly, a total of three times to the TMs of one ear, and nothing was applied to the other eye. The results showed a higher TM EM rate in the treatment group than in the control group (p < 0.05). No adverse events were recorded. These results suggest that the weekly application of cAD-MSCCM accelerates the TM EM rate.