Curative effect of mesenchymal stem cells induced by microencapsuled chondrocytes on the intervertebral disc degeneration in rabbits / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the curative effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by microencapsuled chondrocytes on the intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in rabbits. Methods: MSCs were induced by co-culture with microencapsuled chondrocytes. The surface antigens, proliferation rate, synthesis of proteoglycan and type Ⅱ collagen of MSCs were tested. Induced MSCs were transplanted into the rabbits to establish IDD models and evaluate the repairing effects. Results: After induction by microencapsuled chondrocytes for 7 d, the MSCs possessed certain surface characteristics of chondrocytes and could produce more proteoglycan and type Ⅱ collagen than Transwell system, while the proliferation of MSCs was not affected. After transplanting the MSCs induced by microencapsuled chondrocytes, the form, structure, and mechanical properties were maintained 16 weeks after operations. Conclusion: Compared with the Transwell system, the induction efficiency of microcapsule system is higher. Transplanting MSCs induced by microencapsuled chondrocytes into rabbit IDD models can repair degenerated discs effectively.