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· DOS Abstracts
The Göttingen Mini-Pig (GMP) as an Animal Model for
Articular Cartilage Repair
Bjørn Christensen, Casper Foldager, Morten Olesen, Jan Rölfing, Steffen
Ringgaard, Martin Lind
Ortopedic Research Laboratory, Aarhus University Hospital; Orthopedic
Research Laboratory, Aarhus University Hospital; MR center, Aarhus University
Hospital; Division of sports trauma, Aarhus University Hospital
Background:
Several animal models are available for preclinical testing of car-
tilage repair, but a cost-effective and predictable large animal model is needed
to bridge the gap between in vitro studies and clinical studies. Ideally, the animal
model should allow for testing of clinically relevant treatments and the biologi-
cal response should be reproducible and comparable to humans. This allows for
a reliable translation of results to clinical studies.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
This study aimed at verifying the GMP as a pre-
clinical model for articular cartilage repair by testing several clinically available
surgical treatment options and evaluation methods.
Materials and Methods:
Thirteen fully mature GMPs were used. The GMPs
received bilateral trochlear osteochondral drill-hole defects or chondral defects
(Ø 6mm). The defects were treated with one of the following: Matrix-induced
autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), microfracture (MFx), autolo-
gous- dual-tissue transplantation (ADTT), autologous bone graft, autologous
cartilage chips. Empty chondral and osteochondral defects were used as con-
trols. MRI and CT were performed 3 and 6 month, histology was performed at
6 month postoperative.
Findings / Results:
The repair tissue varied in morphology from non-cartilagi-
nous fibrous tissue to fibrocartilaginous tissue as seen on MRI, CT and histology
at 6 month. The worst results were seen in the empty controls, the defects
treated with autologous bone graft and defects treated with MFx. The best
results were achieved with the MACI treatment.
Conclusions:
The outcomes of the applied treatments were consistent with the
outcomes in clinical studies. The GMP model was easy to handle, cost-effective
and provided predictable outcome. Based on this study, we conclude that the
GMP is a viable animal model for articular cartilage research.
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