Partial Reconstruction of Uterus Cervix in Rat by Decellularized Human Uterine Cervical Scaffold Combined with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs)

Figure 3

Evaluation of ADSCs and recellularized scaffold. ADSCs were successfully isolated from rat adipose tissues. ADSCs highly expressed CD29 and CD90 but hardly expressed CD34 and CD45 detected by flow cytometry (a–d). ADSCs displayed fibroblast-like spindle shape (e, 4x). Calcium deposit was stained with Alizarin Red (f, 10x). Adipogenic vesicles were observed by Oil Red O staining (g, 20x). Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the cartilage matrix nodule was stained with Alcian blue (h, 20x). The decellularized scaffolds were dried by an experimental vacuum freeze dryer and sliced to pieces (i) and then recellularized (j). The structures of decellularized scaffold (K1-M1) and recellularized scaffold (K2-M2) were observed via scanning electron microscopy at different magnifications. After RC, ADSCs filled the gaps shown in the decellularized scaffold while displaying out-grown morphology. Red arrows indicate ADSCs. Yellow arrows indicate cellular extension and a network between ADSCs. Scale bars represent 500 μm (k), 100 μm (l), and 10 μm (m), respectively.