[An experimental study on the culture of human oral mucosa epithelium using autologous serum].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological properties of cultured human oral mucosa epithelium using autologous serum in order to provide a new material for tissue engineering urethra. METHODS: The cultured oral mucosa epithelium was respectively transplanted beneath the skin, above the deep fascia and in the wound of the athymic mice. The specimens were taken at 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks posttransplantation, and processed for (1) immunofluorescence anti-HLA staining to determine graft acceptance, and (2) anti-human IV collagen and antihuman laminin immunohistochemical staining procedures to indicate the basement membrane formation. RESULTS: All the grafts survived and grew very well. The grafts were positive to anti-HLA. Collagen type IV and laminin were detected at the dermo-epidermal junction in all groups from day 14, and increasing in density up to day 21. CONCLUSIONS: he cultured human oral mucosa epithelium by autologous serum could develop an excellent functional epithelium tissue, which would be used to reconstruct urethra and repair wound.