Cellular reaction to the Vascugraft polyesterurethane vascular prosthesis: in vivo studies in rats.
The biocompatibility of Vascugraft, a polyesterurethane vascular prosthesis manufactured by Braun-Melsungen AG, was assessed by immunofluorescence and histological studies. Discs, 1 cm2, of Vascugraft prosthesis were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of rats. Results were compared with Impra, GORE-TEX and Mitrathane prostheses and a control group. Animals were killed at 1, 2, 6, 9 and 12 wk. Total T cells, T helper cells, T suppressor cells and activated T lymphocytes expressing Interleukin-2 receptors were quantified by a cytofluorometric technique in the peripheral blood of rats. For each period of implantation, all vascular prostheses showed no significant change in the percentage of total T cells, T subsets and T cells expressing Interleukin-2 receptors when compared to the control group. Histological examination of the tissue reaction surrounding the Vascugraft revealed a mild inflammatory reaction, similar to the one observed with both polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. However, the rate and the degree of encapsulation were different between grafts. The Vascugraft prosthesis was well encapsulated 2 wk after implantation, whereas inhibition of fibroblastic proliferation into the graft wall and surrounding both polytetrafluoroethylene grafts was observed for each period of implantation. The Mitrathane prosthesis exhibited a moderate inflammatory response, characterized by a high level of activation on fibroblasts compared to other grafts.
Huang
B
B
St-François d'Assise Hospital, Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
Marois
Y
Y
Roy
R
R
Julien
M
M
Guidoin
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D008422:Materials Testing; D011091:Polyesters / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
D011091:Polyesters; D011140:Polyurethanes; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; C044690:polyetherurethane urea