A 10-mm segment of rodent jejunum was isolated and an encapsulated PCL spring inserted. Blank or bFGF-loaded microspheres were delivered to the segment. After 4 weeks, jejunal segments were assessed for lengthening, morphology, quantification of blood vessels, and ganglia.
Lengthened intestinal segments receiving bFGF microspheres demonstrated significantly increased microvascular density compared to those with blank microspheres. There were also significantly more submucosal and myenteric ganglia in the segments that received bFGF microspheres. Segments achieved similar lengthening and final muscular thickness in both blank and bFGF groups, but the bFGF microsphere caused a significant increase in luminal diameter of the jejunal segment.
Sustained release bFGF microspheres enhanced distraction enterogenesis through improved vascularity. The synergy of growth factors such as bFGF with distraction enterogenesis may yield improved results for the future treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome.