Antonio Crovace 2, Luca Lacitignola 1, Edda Francioso 2, Rocco De Siena 2, Giacomo Rossi 3.
1 Universita degli studi di Teramo, Facolta di Medicina Veterinaria, Dipartimento
di Scienze cliniche Veterinarie, Teramo, Italy, 2 Universita degli studi di Bari,
Facolta di Medicina veterinaria, D.E.T.O., sez. Chirurgia Veterinaria, Bari, Italy,
3 Universita degli studi di Camerino, Facolta di Medicina Veterinaria, Dipartimento
Scienze Veterinarie, Camerino, Italy

ACVS Abstract 2007 

Aim of this study was to compare regeneration abilities of cultured Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells (cBMSC) and Bone Marrow Mononucleated Cells (BMMNC), against fibrin glue, saline solution and sham controls in collagenase –induced tendonitis of Achilles’ tendon in sheep.  Six sheep were included in each group as cBMSC, BMMNC, Fibrin, Saline and sham Control.

After 2 weeks from induced lesions (T0) each group was treated. 8 weeks (T8) after treatment, tendons have been harvested and evaluated for histomorphometry, Collagen type I, III, COMP and CD34.  Histology and Immunohistochemistry showed similar capabilities of cBMSC and BMMNC in terms of restored architecture of fibers and Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) with a high expression of Collagen type I and COMP against a very low expression of collagen type III. Complete disruption of fibers architecture and high expression of Collagen type III, with very low expression of collagen Type I and COMP have been observed in Saline and Fibrin group.

Expression of CD34 was appreciated markedly in BMMNC group, while very low expressed in cBMSC and no expressed in Fibrin and Saline group.  Data observed in this study showed effectiveness of cBMSC and BMMNC in regenerating tendon tissue after collagenase –induced tendonitis.