Autologous fat grafts have been used in a number of surgical procedures, yet properties of fat as a transplant material have remained unclear. This study was designed to compare experimental observations of subcutaneous fat grafts in mice with clinical observations of autologous fat grafts placed over the dura following laminectomy in humans. Subcutaneous fat grafts were observed daily in 75 CFl mice with the use of modified Algire back chambers. Grafts were examined histologically and histochemically at intervals up to 60 days after transplantation. Gross and microscopic observations suggest that fat grafts went through a period of initial breakdown of fat cells which was followed by revascularization. This resulted in normal appearing fat, although a smaller volume than the original graft. Three samples of autologous fat grafts from humans were removed during reoperation in the lumbar region up to 22 months after the original procedure. Histological examination revealed revascularized grafts reduced in size: the fat was normal and never replaced by scar tissue.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.