Differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into ear auricle cartilage in rabbits

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells have been reported as a novel candidate for the repair of cartilage injuries in vivo. Methods: In order to assess their differentiation ability, adipose-derived stem cells isolated from rabbit fat tissue were injected into the midportion of a surgically created rabbit ear auricle cartilage defect. After several months, the auricles were resected, histopathologically assessed and compared with a control group. Results: Histopathological examination of auricles removed three, four and five months after injection showed islands of new cartilage formation at the site of the surgically induced defect. Six months after injection, we observed well-formed, mature cartilaginous plates that completely filled the defect in the native cartilage. In the control group, there was no significant growth of new cartilage. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the great potential of adipose-derived stem cells to repair damaged cartilage tissue in vivo.