[Repair of rabbit auricular defects using chondrocyte-scaffolding constructs].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the tissue-engineered cartilage can repair the auricular defects in rabbits that have inherent immunity.

METHODS

Rabbit auricular defects were repaired using chondrocyte-PGA constructs cultured in vitro. The gross and histological comparisons were made between the experimental and the control groups.

RESULTS

The rabbit auricular defects were repaired with chondrocyte-PGA constructs, leaving fibroid tissue in the interface between the tissue-engineered cartilage and the normal cartilage.

CONCLUSION

The auricular defects can be repaired by chondrocyte-PGA in vitro cultured constructs in animals like rabbits that have acquired immunity. The interface healing problems need further study.