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Background: The use of autologous auricular and rib cartilage for the reconstruction of nasal defects and deformities is associated with a number of disadvantages. The development of alternative materials is therefore the focus of intensive research. Recent studies demonstrated that decellularized cartilage is a promising material for cartilage tissue engineering. Hence, the aim of this study was to characterize the materials surface and cellular reactions to the decellularized cartilage matrix in long term-3D-culture., Material and Methods: Material geometry of decellularized cartilage was examined by microcomputed tomography as well as material characteristics by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of integrins on the surface of human chondrocytes was determined after seeding and migration into the scaffold., Results: After decellularization an obvious enlargement of the matrix surface and an intensive interaction between the chondrocytes and the collagen matrix was observed. ITGA1 and ITGB1 were upregulated indicating chondrogenic differentiation., Conclusion: Therefore, decellularized porcine cartilage provides an optimal microstructure for human chondrocytes with respect to cell integration and matrix production. Thus, it offers promising characteristics for clinical application in reconstructive surgery., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Objective: The application of a CO2-pneumoperitoneum in operative laparoscopy presumably leads to basic alterations of the intraperitoneal homeostasis. In order to better understand the pathophysiology of this phenomenon, the morphologic alterations of the mesothelium after CO2-application will be examined., Material and Methods: In 36 mice (C 57, black mice) a CO2-pneumoperitoneum with an intraperitoneal pressure of 6 mm Hg was applied for 30 minutes. After 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours each of 4 animals were killed and the entire peritoneum was examined by scanning electron microscopy., Results: Already after 1 hour mesothelial cells became cuboidal, were detached and showed condensation. After 2 hours this initial reaction reached its peak; immature cells then attached to the free basal membrane. After 96 hours the entire mesothelium was regenerated., Conclusions: The morphologic integrity of the mesothelium is temporarily disturbed by a CO2-pneumoperitoneum. Reasons for this phenomenon may be either the abdominal pressure or a CO2-induced surface acidosis. In further studies, the influence of the described phenomena on intraperitoneal formation of metastases will be examined.