Muscle-derived activated endothelial cells as a new cell source to enhance tendon-to-bone healing: in vivo study in a murine rotator cuff repair model

Introduction: Cell-based approaches are expected to improve tendon-to-bone healing in rotator cuff tendon injuries. Recently, a specialized population of endothelial cells which produce signaling molecules that stimulate the intrinsic stem cells in specific tissues have been identified and reported.4 We hypothesized that endothelial cells from muscle tissue could stimulate and enhance the tendon-to-bone healing. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the novel muscle-derived activated endothelial cells (mECs) implanted at the repair site in a murine rotator cuff repair model.
Source: Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research