Networked lymphatic endothelial cells in a transplanted cell sheet contribute to form functional lymphatic vessels

Sci Rep. 2022 Dec 15;12(1):21698. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-26041-0.

Abstract

This study evaluated whether cell sheets containing a network of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) promoted lymphangiogenesis after transplantation in vivo. Cell sheets with a LEC network were constructed by co-culturing LECs and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on temperature-responsive culture dishes. A cell ratio of 3:2 (vs. 1:4) generated networks with more branches and longer branch lengths. LEC-derived lymphatic vessels were observed 2 weeks after transplantation of a three-layered cell sheet construct onto rat gluteal muscle. Lymphatic vessel number, diameter and depth were greatest for a construct comprising two ASC sheets stacked on a LEC/ASC (3:2 ratio) sheet. Transplantation of this construct in a rat model of femoral lymphangiectomy led to the formation of functional lymphatic vessels containing both transplanted and host LECs. Further development of this technique may lead to a new method of promoting lymphangiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes
  • Animals
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Endothelial Cells*
  • Lymphangiogenesis
  • Lymphatic Vessels*
  • Rats