Method of using autologous fibroblasts to promote healing of wounds and fistulas
The invention provides a method or promoting healing of a wound, e.g., an epithelial wound, in an animal. The method involves administering cultured autologous fibroblasts to the wound.
1. A method of promoting wound healing in an animal, wherein said wound is susceptible to healing upon administration of autologous fibroblasts, which method comprises:
(a) obtaining autologous fibroblasts
(b) culturing the fibroblasts in a culture medium such that the cultured fibroblasts are non-immunogenic when administered, and
(c) administering the autologous fibroblasts in the form of an injection to a wound in said animal, wherein said fibroblasts promote healing of the wound.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said animal is a human.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said autologous fibroblasts are derived from a tissue which is the same type of tissue as a tissue of which the wound is comprised.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein said fibroblasts are cultured in the animal's own serum.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein said fibroblasts are passaged in culture less than about ten times.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said fibroblasts are passaged in culture from about four to about six times.
7. The method of claim 2 , wherein about 20 million fibroblasts are administered per administration.
8. The method of claim 2 , wherein said wound is a chronic non-healing wound.
9. The method of claim 2 , wherein said wound is an epithelial wound.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein said wound is due to venous stasis.
11. The method of claim 2 , wherein said wound is a mucosal wound.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said wound is due to a gastric ulcer.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein said autologous fibroblasts are administered by endoscopic injection.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein said wound is due to a duodenal ulcer.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein said wound is an anal fissure.