Transserosal migration of enteric neural stem cells: Developing an avian colon model
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Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Sep 2018 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Researchers developed an avian colon model using quail embryo hindguts grafted onto chicken chorioallantoic membranes to study transserosal stem cell migration for treating enteric neuropathies like Hirschsprung disease. The model successfully maintained viable colon tissue with intact serosa for 8 days, providing a cost-effective platform for testing stem cell delivery methods across large intestinal surface areas.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
Stem cell transplantation is a potential therapy for enteric neuropathies, including Hirschsprung disease. Proof-of-principle has been obtained using focal transplants into neonatal mouse colon. The challenge now is to deliver stem cells to a large surface area to reconstruct an enteric nerve plexus. One proposed method is serosal application using a polymer membrane. However, transserosal migration of stem cells has not been demonstrated in mature colon. This study aimed to develop an avian model to demonstrate stem cell migration across the intact serosa of mature colon.
Methods
Hindguts were obtained from E14 quail embryos, transplanted onto E8 chicken chorioallantoic membranes and harvested after 2 and 8 days. Tissues were assessed immunohistologically for apoptosis (caspase-3), maturity (α-SMA), preservation of mucosa (E-cadherin), and preservation of serosa (cytokeratin).
Results
Transient necrosis of the central mucosa was observed over the first two days, followed by recovery. Twenty-three grafts were assessed immunohistologically at day 8. Nineteen grafts demonstrated progressive maturation and an intact mucosa. Circumferential serosal preservation was observed in 9 grafts. No apoptosis was seen.
Conclusion
Avian colon may be successfully harvested with an intact serosa. Large chorioallantoic membrane grafts remain viable for at least 8 days, and the serosa can be preserved throughout. This provides an economical platform for assessing transserosal migration of stem cells in mature colon.