Iranian Journal of Veterinary Surgery

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Surgery

Comparison of Spray and Injection Delivery of Lyophilized Exosomes Derived from Adipose and Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Chronic Wound Healing in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Veterinary Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran.
3 Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center,Neuroscience Institute,Tehran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,Iran.
10.30500/ivsa.2026.591442.1504
Abstract
This study evaluated the efficacy of lyophilized exosomes derived from adipose tissue (ADSCs) and Wharton's jelly (WJSCs) mesenchymal stem cells, administered via spray and injection methods, on chronic wound healing in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Adipose tissue and Wharton's jelly samples were collected from healthy donors during liposuction and cesarean section procedures. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and characterized by flow cytometry for CD29, CD90, CD105 (positive) and CD34, CD45 (negative markers). Exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation, lyophilized, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Growth factors (PDGF and FGF) were measured by ELISA. In vivo, 15 adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=3): control (normal saline), L-AEXO i (lyophilized adipose-derived exosomes, injection), L-WEXO i (lyophilized Wharton's jelly-derived exosomes, injection), L-AEXO l (lyophilized adipose-derived exosomes, spray), and L-WEXO l (lyophilized Wharton's jelly-derived exosomes, spray). Full-thickness skin wounds (1×1 cm) were created on the dorsum under general anesthesia. Treatments were administered five days post-wounding. After 21 days, biopsies were collected for histopathological evaluation (H&E and Masson's trichrome), immunohistochemical staining (Collagen I), and quantitative gene expression analysis (Collagen I, Fibronectin, Elastin) by real-time PCR. Results demonstrated significantly increased cell viability in all treatment groups compared to control (P<0.05). The L-WEXO i group showed the highest expression of Collagen I (3.5-fold), Fibronectin (3.5-fold), and Elastin (4.5-fold) compared to control (P<0.001). Histological examination revealed superior epithelialization, collagen deposition, and reduced inflammation in treatment groups, particularly in L-WEXO i and L-WEXO l groups. Lyophilized exosomes derived from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells, administered via both injection and spray methods, significantly enhance chronic wound healing in a rat model of spinal cord injury.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 September 2026

  • Receive Date 13 July 2026
  • Revise Date 30 August 2026
  • Accept Date 22 September 2026
  • First Publish Date 22 September 2026