Regeneration of tracheal epithelium using a collagen vitrigel-sponge scaffold containing basic fibroblast growth factor.

Objectives: Our group has had good results in tracheal mucosal regeneration using a collagen vitrigel-sponge scaffold in an animal model. In this study, the effectiveness of this scaffold with the application of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) was investigated.

Methods: A collagen vitrigel-sponge scaffold was fabricated with simultaneous addition of b-FGF. Three types of collagen vitrigel-sponge scaffolds were made: no b-FGF, 10 ng of b-FGF, and 100 ng of b-FGF. At 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after implantation in rats, the tracheas were removed and histologically evaluated. The regeneration of mucosal epithelium and the subepithelial layer was evaluated.

Results: Mucosal epithelium, including pseudostratified epithelium and ciliated cells, regenerated earlier in the scaffolds when b-FGF was applied than when b-FGF was not applied. Regeneration of the subepithelial layer, infiltration of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, and angiogenesis were promoted earlier in the scaffolds with b-FGF application.

Conclusions: Our technique for tracheal reconstruction using collagen vitrigel-sponge scaffolds with b-FGF application affords a feasible approach for accelerating the regeneration of the intraluminal surface and subepithelial layer of tracheal tissue.