Histomorphologic and volumetric analysis of implanted autologous preadipocyte cultures suspended in fibrin glue: A potential new source for tissue augmentation

Previous efforts to use adipocyte transplants for tissue augmentation have been limited by high and unpredictable resorption rates. Preadipocytes are precursor cells that are capable of replication and differentiation into ma ture adipocytes. Furthermore, they are more resilient to ischemia, making t hem a desirable transplant media. Utilizing fibrin glue as a transport vehi cle and a prefabricated intramuscular capsule pouch as the recipient site, we have demonstrated the successful transplantation of cultured preadipocyt es without the previously presented resorption sequelae. Histological analy sis at 2 weeks has demonstrated establishment of vascular supply and the co mplete resorption of fibrin glue. Most importantly, using planimetric analy sis, volume retention has been demonstrated in implanted areas up to 1 year following implantation. Finally, BrdU labeling has been utilized to demons trate the lack of increased and uncontrolled replication rate, an index of potentially tumorigenic tissue. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a poten tially new and safe source of tissue augmentation in the rat model.