OBJECTIVETo observe the histological changes of juvenile porcine menisci in an in vitro organ culture system. It was hoped that the experiment can provide evidence for the study of menisci in an in vitro organ culture model.

METHODSEight juvenile swines of one month old were involves in the study. Thirty-two meniscal specimens with 8 mm in width were obtained from each meniscus in the two posterior extremities. The specimens were incubated in an in vitro organ culture model. At 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after culture, 8 specimens were observed. Hematoxylin eosin staining: the cell density of the inner 1/3 zone was measured. Safranin-O staining:the degree of staining in the inner zone was measured and semi-quantitative scores were obtained.

RESULTSAt 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks, the cell density were (285.3 +/- 12.0)/HPF, (182.8 +/- 11.2)/HPF, (129.7+/- 9.9)/HPF, (92.3 +/- 9.3)/HPF respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between different time points (P < 0.05), Paired comparison showed statistical differences (P < 0.05). At 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks, the semi-quantitative scores of Safranin-O staining were 2.0 +/- 0.0,1.5 +/- 0.5, 1.0 +/- 0.0, 0.5 +/- 0.5, statistically differences were found between different time points (P < 0.05). Paired comparison showed statistical differences (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn the juvenile meniscus in vitro organ culture model, the cell density and viability diminished along with the cultural time. In vitro organ culture model is suitable for the study of menisci in short-term.