CELL-SURVIVAL AFTER TRANSPLANTATION OF FRESH MENISCAL ALLOGRAFTS - DNA-PROBE ANALYSIS IN A GOAT MODEL

Fibrochondrocytes synthesize and maintain the extracellular matrix res ponsible for the distinctive material and structural properties of a n ormal meniscus. Viable meniscal cells are believed to be necessary for the long-term maintenance of these properties in meniscal allografts. The purpose of this study was to determine if the donor cells (fibroc hondrocytes) survive after a fresh meniscal allograft transplantation. A DNA probe technique was used to clearly distinguish the DNA pattern s in donor cells from the host cells in the Spanish goat. No remaining donor DNA could be demonstrated at 4 weeks in transplanted meniscal t issue; it was all of host origin. The host DNA content at 4 weeks appr oached or exceeded the amount present in the contralateral control men iscus. Clinical significance: The results of this study demonstrate th at viable cells in medial meniscal allografts transplanted from one an imal to another do not survive. Host cells rapidly repopulate the tran splanted meniscus. There is no evidence these new cells will maintain on a long-term basis the extracellular matrix of the meniscus. The evi dence in this paper, that the fibrochondrocytes do not survive transpl antation, suggests further justification is necessary for using grafts with living cells. Allografts with living cells have an increased exp ense, more complicated surgical logistics, and have a higher potential risk of disease transmission.