Brain tissue reaction to permselective polymer capsules.
The brain tissue reaction to permselective polymer capsules implanted in rats was evaluated for 1 to 54 weeks. The polymer capsules were well tolerated in all animals and no recognizable neurological or behavioral deficits were associated with the implants. Necrosis at the brain/polymer interface, as assessed with Nissl stain, was not observed. Foreign body giant cells were consistently absent. Immunocytochemically identified reactive neuroglial cells showed a remarkably low-grade tissue response to the synthetic material beyond the first 2 weeks of observation. Immunolabeled cortical neurons revealed conserved columnar arrays around the implants. Transmission electron microscopy showed a minimal degree of collagen deposition compared to implants in peripheral sites, and normal synapses within a few micrometers from the brain/polymer interface, supporting the prospect of biocompatible, immunoisolated xenografts in the central nervous system.
Winn
S R
SR
Artificial Organ Laboratory, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Aebischer
P
P
Galletti
P M
PM
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000166:cytology; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000032:analysis; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / Q000032:analysis; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D011145:Polyvinyls; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D011145:Polyvinyls; C030841:XM-50 Amicon; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D003094:Collagen; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase