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Precise injection of human mesenchymal stromal cells in the urethral sphincter complex of Göttingen minipigs without unspecific bulking effects
Author(s) -
Amend Bastian,
Kelp Alexandra,
Vaegler Martin,
Klünder Mario,
Frajs Viktoria,
Klein Gerd,
Sievert KarlDietrich,
Sawodny Oliver,
Stenzl Arnulf,
Aicher Wilhelm K.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.23182
Subject(s) - medicine , mesenchymal stem cell , stromal cell , urethral sphincter , urology , sphincter , submucosa , animal study , pathology , cell , urethra , surgery , chemistry , biochemistry
Aim To investigate if injection of cells in the urethral sphincter complex causes unspecific bulking effects. Methods Human mesenchymal stromal cells were isolated, expanded, and characterized. For transurethral injection, cells were labeled with the fluorescent dye PKH26 and in magnetic resonance imaging associated experiments with superparamagnetic particles. Aliquots of cells in 250 µL solvent were injected under vision in the urethral sphincter of immuno‐suppressed Göttingen minipigs. Sphincteric closure pressure was recorded by standard and high‐definition urethral pressure profilometry prior to and after cell injection. The animals were sacrificed after surgery or after 3 weeks, 3, 6, or 12 months of follow‐up. The localisation of the injected cells was explored by histochemistry. Sham‐treated animals served as controls. Results PKH26‐labeled cells survive injections in sphincter tissue samples by Williams cystoscopic injection needle well. In our animal study, the cellular depots were detected in the submucosa or in deeper zones of the sphincter, depending of the length of the injection needle (4‐8 mm). Adverse effects associated with injection of cells or solvent such as a noteworthy bleeding, incontinence, or obstruction, were not recorded ( n = 96 minipigs). However, a transient infiltration of macrophages was detected 3 weeks after cell injection. Changes in the urethral pressure profiles were not observed in cell‐treated ( n = 72) compared to sham‐treated animals ( n = 24). Conclusions Injection of small aliquots of cells to investigate cell therapies in minipigs is a feasible and safe procedure, and it does not bias the intrinsic urethral wall pressure.