Bladder reconstruction using amniotic mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Regenerative medicine of functional urinary tracts has been vigorously investigated to provide effective treatments for severe and/or irreversibly injured tissues. We attempt to construct regenerative medicine based on tissue engineering methods. We have two strategies: the development of biomaterials and the establishment of effective cell sources. In this chapter, we indicate that human amniotic membranes (hAM) have a potential to provide great hope for reconstruction of functional urinary bladders. The hAM can be used as biomaterials to enlarge urinary bladder capacity and increase compliance. Furthermore, the hAM is composed of mesenchymal stem cells that have ability to differentiate into various kinds of cells. The human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) are one of the cell sources to form urinary bladder tissues. We show that the hAMSCs implanted into the frozen-injured bladders differentiate into smooth muscle cells. The reconstructed urinary bladders, composed of the hAMSCs-derived smooth muscles, show contractile responses to potassium and carbachol. The hAMSCs can recover functional urinary bladders. Therefore, hAMSCs will be a great cell source for reconstruction of functional urinary tracts.