Histological examination of decellularized matrices of lumen organs in the rabbit

This thesis aims to investigate and compare the histological and structural properties of decellularized submucosal matrices derived from various luminal organs, which hold increasing importance in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. 7 distinct luminal organs (ureter, bladder, abdominal aorta, small intestine, esophagus, appendix, and gallbladder) were harvested from male New Zealand rabbits. These tissues underwent decellularization processes to isolate their submucosal matrices. The obtained matrices were evaluated through histological staining techniques including Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), sirius red, trichrome, and DAPI. Additionally, ultrastructural properties were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The decellularization procedures effectively removed most cellular components while preserving critical elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as collagen fibers, elastic structures, and basal lamina. However, post-treatment evaluations revealed varying degrees of matrix preservation, cellular residue clearance, collagen distribution, and porosity among different organs. In some tissues, incomplete decellularization was observed, highlighting the necessity for tissue-specific optimization of protocols to ensure full cellular removal while maintaining matrix integrity. Findings from this study provide a comparative foundation to identify which submucosal tissues may be more suitable as scaffolds for specific luminal organ replacements. Furthermore, the structural and histological data obtained support the potential use of these decellularized matrices in future applications of tissue engineering. The results also emphasize their feasibility as an alternative to commercially available xenogeneic grafts currently used in surgical procedures. This research contributes not only to the academic understanding of biomaterial preparation but also presents possible clinical pathways for reconstructive surgery and organ repair through bioengineered scaffold technologies