Fig. 1

Establishment of the tracheal fistula and experimental flow. A Establishment of the tracheal fistula. After exposing the trachea, a 1.5-mm fistula was created on the trachea of SD rats with a biopsy punch. Under the microscope, each tracheal fistula had a uniform diameter and smooth edge. B Schematic illustration of the experimental flow. On D0, TF rats were transplanted with SHED around the fistula and via the tail vein, respectively. Fistula repair was observed on D2, D3, and D5. The tissues were collected on D7 for immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence, and western blotting assays. Airway responsiveness was measured on D14