Effect of cryopreservation on lymph node fragment regeneration after autologous transplantation in the minipig model

• Main Authors: Hadamitzky Catarina, Perić Hanes, Theobald Sebastian J., Gratz Klaus Friedrich, Spohr Hendrik, Pabst Reinhard, Vogt Peter M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter 2018-04-01
• Series: Innovative Surgical Science
• Subjects: artificial lymph node; cryopreservation; lymph node transplant; lymphoedema
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1515/iss-2018-0003

Lymphoedema is a worldwide pandemic causing swelling of tissues due to dysfunctional transport of lymph fluid. Present management concepts are based in conservative palliation of symptoms through manual lymphatic drainage, use of compression garments, manual lymph drainage, exercise, and skin care. Nevertheless, some curative options as autologous lymph node transplantation were shown to reduce lymphoedema in selected cases. Lately, some concern has arisen due to reports of donor site morbidity. A possible solution could be the development of artificial lymph node scaffolds as niches of lymphatic regeneration. Engineering these scaffolds has included cryopreservation of lymph node stroma. However, the effects of cryopreservation on the regeneration capacities of these organs were unknown.