Traditional Chinese Medicine: Salvia miltiorrhiza Enhances Survival Rate of Autologous Adipose Tissue Transplantation in Rabbit Model.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the influence of traditional Chinese medicines: Salvia miltiorrhiza on the survival of auto-transplantation of adipose tissue in a rabbit model.

Methods: Minced adipose tissue harvested from the scapular region was transplanted into the dorsum of the ears of New Zealand rabbits. The experimental groups were intra-peritoneally injected with S. miltiorrhiza for a total 4 weeks. The rabbits in control group were intra-peritoneally injected with normal saline. Plasma VEGF levels were assayed at week 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 after fat tissue auto-transplantation in the dorsum of rabbit ears. Graft samples were collected and measured at week 2, 4, and 12. Survival rates were calculated, and histologic morphology was evaluated. The expression of CD31 was detected by means of immune-histochemical staining to observe neo-vascularization of the auto-transplanted fat tissue. Perilipin was detected by means of immune-histochemical staining to observe the survival of fat cells.

Results: At 12 weeks, the survival rates in the experimental group were statistically greater than that in the control group, respectively (p < 0.05). Plasma levels of VEGF in the experimental group at different time points were significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Histologically, grafts in the experimental group showed better survival of adipocytes and neo-vascularization. By perilipin immuno-histochemical staining, the experimental group demonstrated better adipocyte survival.

Conclusions: In the rabbit model, S. miltiorrhiza can promote the neo-vascularization of adipose tissue grafts and significantly improves the survival rate of auto-transplanted adipose tissue.

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