Transplanted Endothelial Progenitor Cells Augment the Survival Areas of Rat Dorsal Flaps

Abstract

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been identified in peripheral blood, and have been reported to be incorporated into ischemic regions such as the ischemic hindlimb. In this study, we examined whether or not transplantation of EPCs is useful for salvaging surgical flaps in vivo. At the same time, we quantitatively compared the neovascularization ability of transplanted EPCs and that of mature endothelial cells (ECs). ECs obtained from the aorta of rats by explantation and passaged several times were used in the present study. EPCs were obtained from the blood of rat hearts. The blood samples were separated by density gradient centrifugation. Light-density mononuclear cells (MNCs) were collected and cultured on plastic plates coated with rat plasma vitronectin. Cells attached at day 7 of culture were deemed to be EPCs. Then PBS (control), ECs, or EPCs (3.0 x 10(5) suspended in 1.0 ml PBS) were injected at the middle of a flap. Seven days after surgery, the survival lengths of the flaps were evaluated. EPC-transplanted groups revealed statistically significant augmentation of survival length compared with the other two groups (p < 0.003). EPC-transplanted groups had significantly more angiographically detectable blood vessels (p < 0.003) and significantly higher capillary density (p < 0.03) than the other two groups. Confocal microscopy revealed that EPCs were incorporated into enhanced neovascularization. These results suggest that transplantation of EPCs may be useful for salvaging surgical flaps, and EPCs are superior to ECs in neovascularization ability.

Effects of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Survival of Surgical Flaps: A Review of Experimental Studies

“…122 It is known that certain cells such as endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), when transplanted into the flap environment, could improve angiogenesis and thus flap survival. 124,125 It was reported when EPCs were transfected with VEGF gene, their effectiveness would be further enhanced. 79 Additionally, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate into many different cell types, including vascular endothelial cells.…”

Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Protect Fat Grafts at the Early Stage and Improve Long-Term Retention in Immunocompetent Rats

“…Five randomly selected fields from each specimen were included (n = 5/specimen). Capillary density was evaluated based on CD34 staining, and the number of capillaries/mm 2 was determined as described previously [9].…”

Endothelial progenitor cells: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations

“…(16) Transplantation of EPCs has also been shown to augment the survival areas of rat dorsal flaps. (70) Genetically modified EPCs may have enhanced therapeutic properties. Transplantation of heterologous EPCs overexpressing human telomerase reverse transcriptase into murine hindlimb ischaemic model resulted in significant limb salvage.…”