Abstract:
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Purpose: To demonstrate that in pigs autologous clones of myoblasts and
fibroblasts can be harvested, cultivated and injected under ultrasound (US)
guidance into the urethra and rhabdosphincter.
Methods and Materials: Skeletal muscle samples were obtained from 14 pigs. Each
biopsy was enzymatically dissociated according to a modified cell dispersion
technique to grow pure clones of myoblasts and fibroblasts. Single myoblasts in
suspension were manually collected with a micropipette under microscopic control.
Desmin was used as a marker to identify clones of myoblasts. Fluorescence
labeling was used to assess integration of the injected myoblasts and
fibroblasts into the urethra and rhabdosphincter. With the help of a
transurethral US probe (23 F, 11MHz) and injection system the myoblasts as well
as the fibroblasts were injected into the urethra under direct US guidance.
Urethral pressure profiles were measured before and after injection in 12 pigs
to determine pressure profile changes.
Results: Pure porcine cultures of self-renewing myoblasts and fibroblasts could
be grown for long periods. Transurethral injection of myoblasts under US
guidance proved to be an easy, quick and minimally invasive procedure.
Histologic examination of the specimens revealed that the injected cells
survived well for at least 10 weeks and that the myoblasts fixed to form
myofibres. Postoperatively maximal urethral closure pressures were increased
markedly in 9 of 12 pigs (mean increase: 39%). Additionally, the zone of higher
urethral closure pressure (> 30 cm H20) was lengthened (mean value: 56%)
compared to preoperative findings.
Conclusion: US guided injection of autologous myoblasts as well as fibroblasts
into the urethra and the rhabdosphincter has the potential to become a successful
new method for treatment of urinary incontinence. The injected cells survive
well and increase urethral closure pressure. (F.F. is a consultant of the
company producing the myoblasts.)
Questions about this event email: ferdinand.frauscher@uibk.ac.at
Frauscher MD, F,
Transurethral Ultrasound-guided Injection of Clonally Cultured Autologous Myoblasts and Fibroblasts: Experimental Results. Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3104839.html
