Segmental Uterine Horn Replacement in the Rat Using a Biodegradable Microporous Synthetic Tube

Abstract

To investigate the possible use of a biodegradable microporous synthetic tube for fallopian tube replacement, polyetherurethane/poly-L-lactide (PU/PLLA) grafts in the uterine horn of the rat were studied and their patency and healing characteristics compared with those of nonbiodegradable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon) grafts as well as with those of reanastomosed uterine horns. Regarding the healing characteristics, the PU/PLLA grafts were superior to the PTFE graft, as was indicated by the regeneration of endometrium and the extensive perigraft tissue ingrowth. However, the graft/uterine anastomoses of the PU/PLLA and PTFE grafts became obstructed by a plug of mucosal folds, all reanastomosed, uterine horns in the control experiments remaining open. In conclusion, although biodegradable microporous PU/PLLA uterine horn grafts have better healing characteristics than PTFE grafts, they easily obstruct at the graft/uterine junction. Mucosal suturing and/or the use of splints may contribute to the feasibility of biodegradable microporous artificial fallopian tubes in tubal surgery.

Application of Detergents or High Hydrostatic Pressure as Decellularization Processes in Uterine Tissues and Their Subsequent Effects on In Vivo Uterine Regeneration in Murine Models

“…No obstruction was observed at the implant/native tissue anastomoses as opposed to a study by Jonkman et al [32] in which the artery were occluded by blood clot due to failure of vascularization into scaffold. Patency of the reconstructed uterus was similar to native tissue proving decellularized tissue to be superior to porcine SIS graft [33] where samples larger than 1 mm were found to be twisted due to lack of mechanical strength.…”

Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering from and toward the Uterus

“…Exploratory uterine bioengineering attempts in animal models have used synthetic materials for scaffolding, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether urethane/poly-L-lactide, and collagen, and biological materials, including animal small-intestine submucosa, for reconstructing the uterine horns. [54][55][56] Recently, several groups have reported using anionic detergent [57][58][59] or high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment to decellularize the rat uterus. 57 A key advantage of this methodology is its ability to preserve both tissue-specific extracellular matrix and 3D architecture, providing crucial cues for cell engraftment.…”

Mechanisms of Regeneration and Fibrosis in the Endometrium

“…Experimental models of uterine injury have also been harnessed to explore a remarkable breadth of therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating IUAs. These include a variety of biocompatible materials that may be transplanted into the injured uterus to serve as cellular scaffolds or enable the release of proregenerative factors ( Jonkman et al 1986, Li et al 2011, Taveau et al 2004reviewed in Yin et al 2023). Additionally, considerable effort has gone toward developing approaches to transplant putative stem/progenitor cells or enhance their homing to the target tissue (Sahin Ersoy et al 2017).…”