Abstract
Aims: This in vitro study investigates the use of Collagen/PRP Hydrogels as a biological matrix for containing genetically modified human ACL cells, and supporting transgene expression. Methods: Adenoviral vectors encoding marker genes (green fluorescent protein (GFP)) and bioactive) where used to infect cultured human ACL cells?genes (TGF- ex vivo. The cells were seeded in Collagen/PRP Hydrogels and maintained in culture. To expression over time, ELISA was performed at days 4, 8, 15, 23,?measure TGFand 29. GFP positive cells within the gel were viewed by fluorescence microscopy at the same time points. After 29 days, the cultures were fixed, sectioned and various sections were stained with H& E, toluidine blue to detect proteoglycans and by immunhistocemistry for collagen type I and II. Results: Collagen/PRP Hydrogels were transgenes for up to 29 days.?able to support expression of GFP and TGF- expressing gel/cell constructs produced an abundant?Compared to controls, TGF- amount of type I collagen, consistent with the ligament phenotype and appeared more cellular. Little or no proteoglycan staining was observed in either group. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that genetically modified human ACL cells can support persistent transgene expression in vitro, sufficient to stimulate growth of ligamentlike tissue within a Collagen/PRP Hydrogel. The high levels of transgene expression suggest that the Collagen/PRP Hydrogel can function as an effective gene delivery system for tendon repair in vivo.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
