Repair of Bone Gap Defect Using Human Wharton Jelly Derived Stem Cells in Canine Model : Radiological and Histopathological Study

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of human Wharton jelly derived stem cells (WJSCs) to induce bone formation when implanted in canine tibial gap defect. As well as to insure absence of immune rejection against stem cells when implanted xenogenically. It was carried out on nine apparently healthy males of mongrel dogs weighing 20 to 25 kg. The animals were randomly divided into three equal groups (1, 3 and 6 months) according to the observation periods. Two 10 mm diameter holes were surgically created at the proximal third of the tibia. The first hole was filed at the time of the operation with WJSCs suspension while, the second one was left empty as control negative. Radiological and histopathological studies revealed that holes filed with WJSCs showed new bone formation which was faster and better compared to control one. As well as, no immune reaction was detected against WJSCs when implanted xenogenically. Our results support the hypothesis that mesenchymal stem cells can be used for bone grafting between different species without the fear of immune rejection.