Turkey model for flexor tendon research: in vitro comparison of human, canine, turkey, and chicken tendons

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Flexor tendon injury is often associated with suboptimal outcomes and results in substantial digit dysfunction. Stem cells have been isolated from several experimental animals for the growing interest and needs of utilizing cell‐based therapies. Recently, turkey has been developed as a new large animal model for flexor tendon research. In the present study, we reported the isolation and characterization of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from 8‐ to 12‐month‐old heritage‐breed turkeys. The isolated cells demonstrated fibroblast‐like morphology, clonogenic capacity, and high proliferation rate. These cells were positive for surface antigens CD90, CD105, and CD44, but were negative for CD45. The multipotency of turkey BMSCs was determined by differentiating cells into osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and tenogenic lineages. There was upregulated gene expression of tenogenic markers, including mohawk, tenomodulin, and EGR1 as well as increased collagen synthesis in BMP12 induced cells. The successful isolation and verification of bone marrow‐derived MSCs from turkey would provide opportunities of studying cell‐based therapies and developing new treatments for tendon injuries using this novel preclinical large animal model. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1419–1428, 2019.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Isolation and characterization of turkey bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells

Liu

Zhu

et al. 2019

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“…Fourth, there are some differences between mammal and bird, such as light and hollow bones in birds and dense bones in mammals. Although the turkey is classed in the family of Phasianidae, its heavy body weight renders it to typical bipedal locomotion thus adapts the bones, especially leg and feet bones, into a dense skeletal system like that in mammals . Most importantly, this physiologically high loading on bones makes the tendons strong and large.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A recent report explored the use of the turkey as a possible model for flexor tendon research . The study found that the turkey flexor tendon was similar to the human flexor tendon in size, shape, and biomechanical properties.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Establishment of an in vivo turkey model for the study of flexor tendon repair

Kadar

Liu

Vrieze

et al. 2018

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Flexor tendon injuries are common and pose a clinical challenge for functional restoration. The purpose of our study was to assess the adequacy of the turkey as a large animal model for flexor tendon injuries in vivo. Twenty-four male turkeys underwent surgical flexor tendon cut and repair. Turkeys were allocated to five groups postoperatively: (1) foot casted in extension and sacrificed after 3 weeks; (2) foot casted in extension and sacrificed after 6 weeks; (3) foot casted in flexion and sacrificed after 3 weeks; (4) foot casted in flexion and sacrificed after 6 weeks; and (5) foot casted in flexion for 6 weeks and then free roaming allowed for an additional 3 weeks before sacrifice. After sacrifice, digits were collected and analyzed for adhesion formation, healing at the macrolevel and histologically, and biomechanical properties-including friction, work of flexion, stiffness, and strength of repair. All turkeys survived anesthesia and surgery. Tendon rupture occurred in all extension casts and in 11% of those casted in flexion. Friction and work of flexion were significantly higher in the repaired digit than the control digit. There was a correlation between duration of immobilization and repair strength. Histologically, the tendon healed with tenocytes migrating into the gap and producing collagen fibers. We have, for the first time, studied flexor tendon injury and repair using turkeys in terms of anesthesia, surgical procedures, postoperative care, and animal husbandry. The findings regarding functional and histological results from this novel avian model were comparable to the most commonly used mammal model. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2497-2505, 2018.

Preclinical tendon and ligament models: Beyond the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) to 5W1H (why, who, what, where, when, how)

Little

Amadio

Awad

et al. 2023

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Several tendon and ligament animal models were presented at the 2022 Orthopaedic Research Society Tendon Section Conference held at the University of Pennsylvania, May 5‐7, 2022. A key objective of the breakout sessions at this meeting was to develop guidelines for the field, including for preclinical tendon and ligament animal models. This review summarizes the perspectives of experts for eight surgical small and large animal models of rotator cuff tear, flexor tendon transection, anterior cruciate ligament tear, and Achilles tendon injury using the framework: “Why, Who, What, Where, When, and How” (5W1H). A notable conclusion is that the perfect tendon model does not exist; there is no single gold standard animal model that represents the totality of tendon and ligament disease. Each model has advantages and disadvantages and should be carefully considered in light of the specific research question. There are also circumstances when an animal model is not the best approach. The wide variety of tendon and ligament pathologies necessitates choices between small and large animal models, different anatomic sites, and a range of factors associated with each model during the planning phase. Attendees agreed on some guiding principles including: providing clear justification for the model selected, providing animal model details at publication, encouraging sharing of protocols and expertise, improving training of research personnel, and considering greater collaboration with veterinarians. A clear path for translating from animal models to clinical practice was also considered as a critical next step for accelerating progress in the tendon and ligament field.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.