Bone marrow-derived cells participate in the long-term remodeling in a mouse model of esophageal reconstruction

Background: The default response of the esophagus to injury includes inflammation and scar tissue formation often leading to stricture. Biologic scaffolds composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) have been associated with the reconstitution of functional esophageal tissue in preclinical studies and clinical case reports of esophageal mucosal resection, anastomotic reinforcement, and full circumferential replacement. However, the mechanisms responsible for this change in the default response to esophageal injury are not fully understood. Methods: The objective of the present study was to determine whether bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) participate in the long-term remodeling of ECM scaffolds in the esophageal location in a mouse model. Results: BMCs were present in low numbers in remodeling ECM scaffolds. Compared with the untreated control mice, the ECM-implanted animals showed better remodeling of the epithelial layer. Conclusions: BMCs are involved in ECM remodeling process during tissue repair after esophageal injury, but the low numbers argue against any significant involvement in the constructive remodeling process.