Sheep calcaneal tendon repair subsequent to amniotic derived stem cell allotransplantation.

This preclinical study was performed to evaluate the regenerative 7capacities of vitro-expanded amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) allotransplanted 8within experimentally induced lesions in ovine calcaneal tendons. Explanted 9samples were evaluated for tendon architecture, collagen composition, AFSC 10retrieval, cell proliferation, blood vessel organization, and leukocyte infiltration. 11Tendon healing and viable AFSCs were observed within the lesion site 30 days after 12transplantation. AFSCs differentiated into collagen-producing cells, stimulated 13collagen type I deposition and fiber alignment, and exerted positive effects on 14angiogenesis and inflammatory reactions. Thus, as AFSCs markedly improved 15tendon healing, they may be used to develop innovative therapies.[...