Organ-specific acellular matrix for reconstruction of the urinary tract

In urology, replacement of organs or organ segments has proved problematic. Current techniques do not replicate complete organ function, and they caus e well-known complications. With the acellular organ-specific matrix we hav e found a way to regenerate tissue components seen in the normal lower urin ary tract. The time required for regeneration depends on the matrix size an d function. The matrix is covered by urothelium migrating from the host, af ter which neovascularization occurs, followed by formation of smooth-muscle cells and nerves. In our studies, normal muscle lining and nerves providin g functional tissue were demonstrable and no sign of antigenicity was evide nt, even after heterologous grafting. The regenerated rat bladder was evalu ated by organ bath as well as by in vivo functional tests and demonstrated properties and functions similar to those of host tissue. Besides our obtai ning encouraging results in the rat bladder, we also studied the organ-spec ific acellular matrix in other species (dog and rabbit) and other organ seg ments (ureter and urethra).