Abstract: Objective To investigate the feasibility of constructing a capsular poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) ureteral stent seeded with
autologous urothelial cells using tissue engineering methods. Methods The capsular ureteral stent was constructed by
subcutaneously embedding PLLA ureteral stent in the back of beagles for 3 weeks to induce the formation of connective tissue
on the surfaces. After decellularization of the stent, the expanded autologous urothelial cells were seeded on the stent. The
surface structure and cell adhesion of the stent were observed using HE staining, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and
immunocytochemichal staining. MTT assay was used to evaluate urothelial cell proliferation on the capsular PLLA ureteral
stent and on circumferential small intestinal submucosa graft. Results HE staining and VIII factor immunohistochemistry
revealed numerous capillaries in the connective tissue encapsulating the stent without obvious local inflammatory response.
The results of SEM and immunocytochemichal staining showed that the capsule contained rich collagenic fibers forming
three-dimensional structures, and the seeded autologous urothelial cells could adhere and well aligned on the surface. MTT
assay showed normal growth of the cells on the stent as compared with the cells grown on circumferential small intestinal
submucosa graft. Conclusion The capsular PLLA ureteral stent allows adhesion and proliferation of autologous urothelial cells
and shows a potential in applications of constructing tissue-engineered ureter.