Histomorphologic and Volumetric Analysis of Implanted Autologous Preadipocyte Cultures Suspended in Fibrin Glue: A Potential New Source for Tissue Augmentation

Previous efforts to use adipocyte transplants for tissue augmentation have been limited by high and unpredictable resorption rates. Preadipocytes are precursor cells that are capable of replication and differentiation into mature adipocytes. Furthermore, they are more resilient to ischemia, making them a desirable transplant media. Utilizing fibrin glue as a transport vehicle and a prefabricated intramuscular capsule pouch as the recipient site, we have demonstrated the successful transplantation of cultured preadipocytes without the previously presented resorption sequelae. Histological analysis at 2 weeks has demonstrated establishment of vascular supply and the complete resorption of fibrin glue. Most importantly, using planimetric analysis, volume retention has been demonstrated in implanted areas up to 1 year following implantation. Finally, BrdU labeling has been utilized to demonstrate the lack of increased and uncontrolled replication rate, an index of potentially tumorigenic tissue. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a potentially new and safe source of tissue augmentation in the rat model.