%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of Autogenous Engineered Septal Cartilage Grafts in Rabbits: A Minimally Invasive Preclinical Model
%A Anton Kushnaryov
%A Tomonoro Yamaguchi
%A Kristen K. Briggs
%A Van W. Wong
%A Marsha Reuther
%A Monica Neuman
%A Victor Lin
%A Robert L. Sah
%A Koichi Masuda
%A Deborah Watson
%J Advances in Otolaryngology
%D 2014
%R 10.1155/2014/415821
%X Objectives. (1) Evaluate safety of autogenous engineered septal neocartilage grafts and (2) compare properties of implanted grafts versus controls. Study Design. Prospective, basic science. Setting. Research laboratory. Methods. Constructs were fabricated from septal cartilage and then cultured in vitro or implanted on the nasal dorsum as autogenous grafts for 30 or 60 days. Rabbits were monitored for local and systemic complications. Histological, biochemical, and biomechanical properties of constructs were evaluated. Results. No serious complications were observed. Implanted constructs contained more DNA ( ) and less sGAG perDNA ( ) when compared with in vitro controls. Confined compressive aggregate moduli were also higher in implanted constructs ( ) and increased with longer in vivo incubation time ( ). Implanted constructs displayed resorption rates of 20¨C45 percent. Calcium deposition in implanted constructs was observe. Conclusion. Autogenous engineered septal cartilage grafts were well tolerated. As seen in experiments with athymic mice, implanted constructs accumulated more DNA and less sGAG when compared with in vitro controls. Confined compressive aggregate moduli were higher in implanted constructs. Implanted constructs displayed resorption rates similar to previously published studies using autogenous implants of native cartilage. 1. Introduction Craniofacial defects created from tumor resection, traumatic loss, or congenital deformities frequently require complex surgical reconstruction to rebuild missing cartilage and bony support. A variety of autologous, allogeneic, and synthetic grafts have traditionally been used to provide structural support in these procedures [1¨C4]. While certainly useful in specific situations, each grafting material has drawbacks. Allogeneic grafts carry the risks of immune rejection and the potential for disease transmission. The use of synthetic materials can be complicated by infection and extrusion. Anecdotally, autologous grafts are favored by many reconstructive surgeons. Cartilaginous autografts are a commonly used structural support medium; various donor sites including rib, auricle, and nasal septum are all currently in use [5¨C7]. Nasal septal cartilage offers important advantages over other cartilage types due to its favorable mechanical properties, ease of harvest, and minimal donor site morbidity. However, its use remains limited by several factors. These include the limited amount of tissue available and a predetermined, potentially suboptimal, semirigid geometric structure. Tissue engineering of
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/aoto/2014/415821/