Muscle-derived stem cells used to treat skin defects prevent wound contraction and expedite reepithelialization

Stem cells derived from adult tissues may serve as cell therapy to enhance the healing process in skin wounds. This study was designed to evaluate the use of autologous muscle-derived stem cells in an experimental skin Wound model in terms of their efficiency at promoting tissue repair/regeneration. Muscle-derived cells obtained from the dorsal muscle of New Zealand rabbits were cultured in vitro for 2 weeks. The cell population was identified using the satellite markers CD34, m-cadherin and Myf5, and the proliferative capacity of the adult stem cells was determined. The population was then fluorescently labeled with PKH26 and seeded onto a circular 2 cm diameter defect created on the dorsal side of the ear of the rabbit from which the cells had been harvested. Similar defects on the contra lateral ears were left untreated to form the control group. Fourteen days later, specimens were taken for light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy, as well as for immunolabeling with antibodies against vimentin, alpha-actin, desmin, myosin, fibronectin, and cytokeratin 14. Areas of wound contraction and reepithelialization were determined by image analysis. Wound contraction was significantly greater in the control than the treatment group (p < 0.05); control specimens also showed more myosin expression. Reepithelialized areas were significantly greater in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Control wounds showed nonepithelialized areas and inflammatory granulation tissue. Reepithelialization occurred as epidermal tongues of fusiform cells. Our findings indicate that the use of autologous stein cells on skin wounds expedites and improves the organism's natural healing process.