To verify the fate of autologous porcine myogenic cells after endoscopic administration into the urethral sphincter.

This study was performed on pig animal models. The muscle-derived cells (MDCs) were isolated and identified. After the third passage, the 6 × 10⁷ of PKH26 labeled cells were injected into the urethral sphincter using a urethrocystoscope. The urethras were collected after 28 days. To analyze the fate of injected cells, the PKH26 presence, the desmin expression, and the distribution of acetylcholine receptors were evaluated in the tissue sections. Moreover, the maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was assessed in experimental and control groups at day 1 and day 28.

The isolated porcine MDCs expressed desmin and were able to differentiate into myotubes in vitro. At day 28 after the transplantation, the depots of PKH26-positive cells were observed in the muscular layer, but also in the submucosa. The staining for desmin revealed that cells located in the muscle layer were integrated with muscle fibers that possessed acetylcholine receptors. However, cells administered into nonmuscle tissue did not express desmin. Urethral pressure profilometry demonstrated no significant differences between MUCP in the transplanted group in comparison to the control group at day 28.

The present study demonstrates the successful endoscopic transplantation of myogenic cells into the urethral sphincter. The experiments indicated the key importance of precise cell administration in terms of their fate after the injection.