Myogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Newly Developed Neurotised AV-Loop Model

Figure 2

Schematic presentation of the newly developed EPI-loop model. In the common AV-loop model, the position (P) of the isolation chamber directly lies over the path of the obturator nerve (No) which descends the thigh deep inside the adductor muscles. The EPI-loop is based on the saphenous artery (As) and the superficial inferior epigastric vein (Ve)/SIEV and the saphenous vein from the right site as graft (G). In this novel AV-loop model, the isolation chamber (C) can be rotated 90° into the rat’s groin and lies parallel to the saphenous nerve (Ns) and vein (Vs). This position enables the dissection of the obturator nerve in a second operation after implantation of the AV-loop into the isolation chamber.