Transserosal migration of enteric neural stem cells: Developing an avian colon model

Abstract

Background: Stem cell transplantation is a potential therapy for enteric neuropathies, including Hirschsprung disease. Proof-of-principle has been obtained using focal transplants into neonatal mouse colon. The challenge now is to deliver stem cells to a large surface area to reconstruct an enteric nerve plexus. One proposed method is serosal application using a polymer membrane. However, transserosal migration of stem cells has not been demonstrated in mature colon. This study aimed to develop an avian model to demonstrate stem cell migration across the intact serosa of mature colon. Methods: Hindguts were obtained from E14 quail embryos, transplanted onto E8 chicken chorioallantoic membran..