Chitosan Scaffold Enhances Nerve Regeneration within the in vitro Reconstructed Bladder Wall: An Animal Study

Introduction: The function of reconstructed bladder depends on the contracting bladder wall. This can be obtained with a proper innervating segment. Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is used as cell vehicle. Chitosan supported the adhesion and differentiation of neurons. The aim of the study was to compare PGA with PGA/chitosan 'sandwich' grafts for bladder regeneration. Methods: 3T3 fibroblasts were seeded on 6 PGA and on 3 chitosan scaffolds and incubated for 3 days at 37 degrees C in 5% CO2 before implantation. Three rats underwent bladder reconstruction with PGA cell-seeded grafts and 3 with PGA grafts covered with chitosan cell-seeded grafts ('sandwich' graft). Three rats in the control group were not operated. After 6 months, reconstructed tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Neurons were identified by synaptophysin and neuron-specific enolase staining. Results: No complications were noticed. PGA/chitosan grafts were evaluated as (+++) and (++), while PGA grafts were evaluated as (++) and (+) with use of synaptophysin antibody. The control group was evaluated as (+). PGA/chitosan grafts were evaluated as (++) and (+), while PGA grafts were evaluated as (++) and (+) in neuron-specific enolase staining. The control group was evaluated as (+). Conclusion: Chitosan improved PGA's abilities as a cell matrix and in guiding neurons into the graft. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel