Allogenic Tendon-Autologous Cartilage Cells Transplantation Enhances Adhesive/Growth Ability and Promotes Chondrogenesis in a Rabbit Model of Glenoid Labrum Damage

BACKGROUND: Glenoid labrum injury of the shoulder commonly occurs in athletes, especially those who perform throwing motions. This study investigated the effects of the established allogenic tendon-autologous cartilage cells reconstruction approach in a rabbit model of glenoid labrum damage. MATERIAL/METHODS: The allogenic tendons were isolated and extracted using the chemical extraction method. Cartilage cells were isolated from New Zealand rabbits and identified by detecting type II collagenase. The allogenic tendon-autologous cartilage cells were transplanted to the damaged glenoid labrum. HE staining was used to observe inflammatory cells, Masson staining was used to observe muscle fibers, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess antigenicity of tendon tissues. PSA and AB staining were used to examine neutral protein mucopolysaccharide and acidic protein mucopolysaccharide, respectively. We assessed cartilage cell growth in autologous cartilage cells combined with allogenic tendon transplanted tissues. RESULTS: Allogenic tendons were well prepared using chemical extraction method due to use of HE staining, Masson staining, and SEM. TGF-β1 treatment induced cartilage cell formation and triggered expression of acidic and neutral protein mucopolysaccharides. HE staining, Masson staining, PAS staining, and AB staining methods showed that autologous cartilage cells combined with allogenic tendon transplanted tissues had better growth of cartilage cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the allogenic tendon-autologous cartilage cells reconstruction and transplantation approach and illustrated higher adhesive ability and growth ability, and better chondrogenesis in a rabbit model of glenoid labrum damage.