Pilot experimental study on amniotic epithelial mesenchymal cell transplantation in natural occurring tendinopathy in horses. Ultrasonographic and histological comparison.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research aims to explore the effect of transplanting ovine amniotic epithelial cells in treating acute and chronic tendinopathy in horses, with evaluation based on ultrasounds and histological examinations. Initial findings suggest a positive correlation between the use of these cells and the healing process.
Objective
The aim of the research was focused on assessing the ultrasound and histological outcomes of treating naturally occurring acute and chronic tendon lesions in horses through xenotransplantation of ovine amniotic epithelial cells (stem cells found in the amniotic membrane of a sheep’s placenta). The researchers investigated the healing potentials of these cells in tendons tissue regeneration by looking closely at any changes in the tendon’s appearance under ultra-sounds, and studying the arrangement and organization of cells and fibers within the tendon tissue in a histologic examination.
Methodology
- Six adult horses, suffering from either unilateral acute or chronic tendinopathy, were enrolled in the study.
- The cells in question were transplanted into the most damaged area of the tendons in a sterile manner and under ultrasound control.
- These horses were then subjected to ultrasound controls at different intervals throughout the 180-day study period.
- After the horses were put down, their tendon samples were collected to evaluate cellularity, the organization of the extracellular matrix fiber, and blood vessels via histological examinations.
Results
- At baseline, ultrasound scans showed distinct differences between the acute and chronic cases. Acute cases showed a focal, dis-homogeneous, hypo-echoic area in the tendon while chronic cases showed a thickened and completely hyper-echoic damaged tendon area.
- As the study progressed, ultrasounds showed progress in healing, with the cross-sectional area of the tendon gradually becoming similar to that of the opposite and healthier limb. Furthermore, the collagen fibers started orienting parallel to the tendon’s longitudinal axis, indicating a positive healing response.
- Results were corroborated by histological analyses. Tendon architecture seemed to return to its normal state after treatment, showing an optimal alignment of tendon fibers indicative of healing and tissue regeneration.
Conclusion
The study’s findings encourage the researchers’ initial hypothesis that amniotic epithelial cells have excellent healing potential. There was a noteworthy correlation between the ultrasound findings and the histologic features, both suggesting a positive response to the transplanted ovine amniotic epithelial cells in treating tendinopathy.
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References
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