Adipose-derived stem cell (ASC)-enriched fat grafting: experiments using White rabbits and an automated cell processing apparatus

The grafting of fat mixed with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) is being increasingly applied to compensate for the disadvantages of previous fat grafting methods. Devices that automatically isolate fat stem cells also have recently been developed. ASCs were isolated from the inguinal region of White rabbits using Icellator (R), and the number of cells and their viability were measured. The cell count per fat graft (mL) was adjusted to the following concentrations and subcutaneously transplanted into the back: Control group, Fat + PBS; Fat + ASCs (x0.5) group, 1.6 x 10(5) cells/mL; and Fat + ASCs (x1) group, 3.2 x 10(5) cells/mL. Grafted fat weight was measured after 8 weeks, and histological, immunohistological, and specifically stained sections were prepared. Fat absorption was reduced in Fat + ASCs (x0.5) and Fat + ASCs (x1) groups. The number of blood vessels was higher in Fat + ASCs (x1) than in the control group, and blood vessel areas were higher in Fat + ASCs (x0.5) and Fat + ASCs (x1) groups than in the control group. The usefulness of the automated cell processing apparatus, Icellator (R), was confirmed, and the results obtained suggest that grafted ASCs promote the vascularization and engraftment of fat grafts.