Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There is lack of ureteral substitution for clinical application. Acellular matrix easily leads to ureteral stricture at the substitute segment. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can ameliorate ischemic tissue and participate in vascular angiogenesis.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical possibility of substitution of ureter using EPCs-seeding acellular matrix graft.
METHODS: Swine EPCs and smooth muscle cells were implanted carotid artery-derived vascular acellular matrix. And then, the swine ureteral defect was replaced by EPCs-seeding acellular matrix graft.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The acellular matrix graft fused with ureter at 4 weeks after transplantation, and smooth muscle cells, urinary epithelial cells and new blood vessels could be found in the replaced part. After 12 weeks, when the stand canal was removed, graft shrunk, and the lumen was clearly strictured. The upper urinary system was dilated, and the kidney lost its function due to severe hydronephrosis.