Assessing the Resident Progenitor Cell Population and the Vascularity of the Adult Human Meniscus

Purpose To identify, characterize, and compare the resident progenitor cell populations within the red−red, red−white, and white−white (WW) zones of freshly harvested human cadaver menisci and to characterize the vascularity of human menisci using immunofluorescence and 3‐dimensional (3D) imaging. Methods Fresh adult human menisci were harvested from healthy donors. Menisci were enzymatically digested, mononuclear cells isolated, and characterized using flow cytometry with antibodies against mesenchymal stem cell surface markers (CD105, CD90, CD44, and CD29). Cells were expanded in culture, characterized, and compared with bone marrow−derived mesenchymal stem cells. Trilineage differentiation potential of cultured cells was determined. Vasculature of menisci was mapped in 3D using a modified uDisco clearing and immunofluorescence against vascular markers CD31, lectin, and alpha smooth muscle actin. Results There were no significant differences in the clonogenicity of isolated cells between the 3 zones. Flow cytometry showed presence of CD44 + CD105 + CD29 + CD90 + cells in all 3 zones with high prevalence in the WW zone. Progenitors from all zones were found to be potent to differentiate to mesenchymal lineages. Larger vessels in the red−red zone of meniscus were observed spanning toward red−white, sprouting to smaller arterioles and venules. CD31 + cells were identified in all zones using the 3D imaging and co‐localization of additional markers of vasculature (lectin and alpha smooth muscle actin) was observed. Conclusions The presence of resident mesenchymal progenitors was evident in all 3 meniscal zones of healthy adult donors without injury. In addition, our results demonstrate the presence of vascularization in the WW zone. Clinical Relevance The existence of progenitors and presence of microvasculature in the WW zone of the meniscus suggests the potential for repair and biologic augmentation strategies in that zone of the meniscus in young healthy adults. Further research is necessary to fully define the functionality of the meniscal blood supply and its implications for repair.