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11–14 APRIL, 2018, HELSINKI, FINLAND
15:41–15:44
S3-3 (PP)
IMPLANTATION OF DECELLULARIZED HUMAN TESTIS
IN NUDE MICE AS A NATURAL BIOREACTOR FOR
FUNCTIONAL TESTICULAR REPLACEMENT
Shabnam SABETKISH
1
, Nastaran SABETKISH
1
, Parisa SAEEDI SHARIFABAD
2
and
Abdol-Mohammad KAJBAFZADEH
1
1) Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Section of Tissue Engineering and Stem, Urology,
Tehran, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN - 2) Sarvar Children's Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences,
Mashhad, Iran, Department of Pediatric Urology, Mashhad, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
PURPOSE
To determine histological aspects of implanted decellularized human testisticular tissue in nude
mice as a primitive step for further tissue engineering.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total of 4 human testes scaffolds were obtained in sterile condition after obtaining ethical com-
mittee approval. The optimal decellularization protocol was determined and the efficacy of decel-
lulaization was evaluated. The scaffolds were cut in 3×3 mm pieces and implaned between the tight
muscles in 32 nude mice. Biopsies were taken at 2, 4, 8, and 24 weeks postoperatively for further
histological investigations.
RESULTS
Histological examination of decellularized testes confirmed the complete absence of nuclear
remnants as well as preservation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in decellularized samples.
Macroscopic evaluation of implanted scaffolds confirmed the absence of shrinkage or inflammation.
Based on microscopic observation, successful cell seeding was observed in all follow-ups con-
firmed by H&E and IHC staining that increased continuously during the whole study. Interestingly,
spermatogonial stem-like cells were observed on decellularized implants that were well differenti-
ated during the follow-ups.
CONCLUSIONS
Natural bioreactors may provide a good cell source for testes tissue regeneration. This optimal
technique may provide a testis bioscaffold as a three dimensional platform and further successful
cell seeding to produce a functional testis. This novel technology may be beneficial for patients who
require testicular supplementation.