Rabbit umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: A new option for tissue engineering

Abstract

BackgroundThe source and availability of cells for tissue engineering in large scale research or clinical trials requires special attention. We propose the idea of applying rabbit umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for this purpose.MethodsHere, the structure of the rabbit umbilical cord was analyzed and compared to that of human umbilical cord, both macroscopically and histologically. Next, we isolated, cultured and identified the proliferative activity and immunological characteristics of rabbit umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in vitro using mixed lymphocyte reaction, flow cytometry and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds seeded with rabbit umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in rat cranial defect models using multiple techniques, including radiological, histological and immunohistochemistry.ResultsIn vitro studies demonstated a high level of proliferation and multi‐lineage differentiation potential in rabbit umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Rabbit umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells exibited low immunogenicity properties and immune suppression capability with respect to both the allogeneic and xenogeneic immune response. The results of the in vivo study showed that rabbit umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could promote osteogenesis in heterogeneous hosts.ConclusionsThe rabbit umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells may be a new source for tissue engineering.

Xenogeneic stem cell transplantation: Research progress and clinical prospects

“…Some researchers have paid attention to the rabbit for its docile character and high-reproductive rate. Li et al [ 9 ] has isolated umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from rabbits to repair murine bone defects by tissue engineering[ 9 ]. Considering the strong reproductive capacity, short reproductive cycle, and sufficient species-specific reagents of rodents[ 17 ], there is a possibility of using rodents as a xenogeneic stem cell transplantation source.…”

“…MSCs have been regarded as the most ideal cell type on account of their extensive cell sources, lack of ethical restrictions for its use, easy accessibility without invasiveness, high survivability in in vivo conditions, low-immunological characteristics, low tumorigenicity, and high safety in clinical applications[ 18 - 22 ]. Many research studies have demonstrated that xenogeneic MSC transplantation is effective in the treatment of liver failure, myocardial infarction, and bone defects[ 9 , 12 , 13 ]. ESCs have also gained attention with their totipotency and high-self-renewal capacity[ 10 ].…”

“…Their results yielded similar cell immunosuppressive effects[ 27 , 28 ]. Li et al [ 9 ] transplanted rabbit umbilical cord MSCs with hyaluronic acid/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds in rats and exhibited the low-immunogenicity properties and immune suppression capabilities of rabbit umbilical cord MSCs[ 9 ]. Lévêque et al [ 26 ] co-transplanted rat MSCs with porcine neuroblasts in immunocompetent rat striata, and demonstrated the immunosuppressive properties of these cells.…”

“…Xenogeneic stem cell transplantation has broad prospects in tissue defects. Tissue defects can be caused by trauma, tumor, and birth defects, which severely impair daily and social lives of patients[ 9 , 17 , 19 ]. Many researchers have demonstrated that xenogeneic stem cell transplantation with scaffolds could treat bone, cartilage, and soft tissue defects.…”

“…Fourth, relatively expensive and complex operations restrict the large-scale commercial production and application of human stem cells. Finally, it is difficult to perform quality control on human compared with animal stem cells[ 2 , 9 , 10 ]. Therefore, more researchers have been focused on the identification of alternative xenogeneic approaches with stem cells from animals for transplantation.…”