Transplantation of tracheal epithelial cells onto a prefabricated capsule pouch with fibrin glue as a delivery vehicle

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether in vitro cu ltured tracheal epithelial cells can be transplanted onto a prefabricated c apsule surface in vivo for possible use in tracheal reconstruction. Methods: Tracheal epithelial cells from 12 donor inbred rats were harvested for culture and expansion. In 16 recipient inbred rats, 2 sterile cylinder s made of silicone rubber were implanted in each rat bilaterally in the fol ds of both the left and right anterior rectus sheath by wrapping the sheath s around the cylinders to induce a capsule formation. Ten days later, the c ell cultures were divided and suspended in 1 of 2 delivery vehicles (standa rd culture medium or fibrin glue) and implanted onto the capsule surface. T o compare the 2 delivery vehicles, we used fibrin glue on one side and the standard culture medium on the other. Results: After 2 (group 1, n = 8) and 4 (,group 2, n = 8) weeks, histologic findings, immunohistochemical staining, and electron microscopy demonstrat ed the capsule to be covered with a tracheal neoepithelium in group 1 and a dditional ciliated cells and secretory cells in a confluent layer in group 2 but only on the side with fibrin glue as the delivery vehicle. No viable epithelial cells were identified on the side with the standard culture medi um in either group. Conclusion: We conclude that cultured epithelial cells can be successfully transplanted onto a prefabricated capsule surface with fibrin glue, which w ill differentiate into morphologic, nearly normal epithelium, showing poten tial for tracheal reconstruction.