The Application of Three-Dimensional Collagen-Scaffolds Seeded with Myoblasts to Repair Skeletal Muscle Defects

Figure 4

In the mdx/SCID mouse model, healthy healing was observed in the myoblast seeded scaffolds after 10 days (a) and 20 days (c). Nonseeded scaffolds implanted into mdx/SCID mice resulted in slower and less healthy healing at 10 days (b) and 20 days (d). LacZ staining of the implanted muscle graft region revealed extensive migration of the LacZ⁺ myoblasts into the surrounding host tissue (e) and (f). Immunofluorescent staining of CD31 (red) and vWF (green) showed vascularization developing in the implanted muscle graft region 20 days after implantation (g). A DAPI staining revealed that a variety of cell types were located homogenously throughout the implanted muscle graft area (h).