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Animal Models

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Methods

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Division of Comparative Medicine

Selected Grantee Publications

Local Tissue Response to a C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 12 Therapy for Fecal Incontinence in a Rabbit Model

Ruetten et al., American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 2025.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39745592

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) occurs in 2–7% of vaginal childbirths. Surgical interventions for OASI are suboptimal, with 30% of women reporting continued reduction in quality of life due to long-term fecal incontinence. Researchers used a 4- to 5-month-old female New Zealand white rabbit model for OASI to determine whether local C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) injection reduces postinjury pathologies. Treatment with CXCL12 significantly reduced fibrosis. Untreated rabbits demonstrated reduced distinction of anal sphincter skeletal muscle layering and significantly increased the amount of fibrosis. Treatment with CXCL12 did not affect recruitment of CD34+ cells, the number of PAX7+ satellite cells, or innervation and vascularization of skeletal muscle. This pilot study demonstrates the potential of a novel therapeutic for OASI. Supported by ORIP (T32OD010957).

Biocompatibility and Bone Regeneration by Shape Memory Polymer Scaffolds

Gasson et al., Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. 2025.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39404147

This study evaluates the potential of shape memory polymer (SMP) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, focusing on their biocompatibility and ability to support bone regeneration. Researchers first demonstrated biocompatibility of SMP scaffolds in 12-week-old male Wistar rats and confirmed cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, while promoting bone regeneration in 6 ­month-old male New Zealand white rabbits with induced bone defects. These scaffolds combine mechanical strength with the capacity to enhance biological healing, making them a promising tool for orthopedic applications. These findings highlight the potential of SMPs as a versatile platform for tissue engineering applications, combining structural support with biocompatibility to enhance bone repair and healing outcomes. Supported by ORIP (T32OD011083).