Functional and morphological comparison of extracellular matrices derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa and porcine dermis to support rabbit uterus regeneration.

he aim of this study was to compare the ability of extracellular matrices (ECMs) of various structural origins to support uterus regeneration and maintain contractile function. The experiment was carried out in 18 New Zealand white female rabbits divided into a control group and two experimental groups. In the control group, bipolar electrodes were attached to the uterine horns to collect electromyography data. In the experimental groups, uterine horns were partially excised with immediate implantation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS), DynaMatrix®, or from porcine dermis, Medeor® Matrix. Twelve weeks later, bipolar electrodes were attached to the regeneration areas in both experimental groups. The electromyography data in all groups were continuously recorded after administration of a single dose of estradiol valerate. Fourteen weeks after EMCs implantation, the rabbits were spayed, and the uterine wall was sampled for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. The regenerated uterus retained the myoelectric activity pattern, and the mean amplitudes of maximum deflections did not differ between the experimental and control groups. The regeneration supported by the SIS-derived ECM was more advanced than that supported by the dermal-derived ECM. However, some pathological changes were noted in both experimental groups within the regeneration areas.