ACL reconstruction in a rabbit model using irradiated Achilles allograft seeded with mesenchymal stem cells or PDGF-B gene-transfected mesenchymal stem cells

The present study was conducted to develop a new strategy to accelerate reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by modifying the Achilles allograft with autogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or PDGF-B transfected MSCs in a rabbit model. The allografts were first irradiated with Co⁶⁰, stored at −80°C, and then seeded with cells for implantation. Bilateral ACL reconstructions were performed. On the left, the allograft was either seeded with MSCs or PDGF-B transfected MSCs and acted as the experimental group. On the right, the graft without any cells seeded acted as control. At 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, histological observation found that implatation of MSCs or PDGF-B transfected MSCs accelerated cellular infiltration into the ACL and enhanced collagen deposition in the wound. PDGF-B transfected MSCs could also lead to an initial promotion of angiogenesis. This gene transfer technique or cell implantion may be a potentially useful tool for improving ligament remodeling.