Recovery of endothelial cells and prostanoid production in endothelial cell-seeded grafts.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the function and morphology of endothelial cell (EC) seeded grafts.


METHODS
Experimental, open study.


METHODS
Endoluminal release of prostacyclin (6-Keto-PGF1 alpha) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2), patency, EC coverage and cell identity.


METHODS
In 12 sheep, segments of both carotid arteries were excised. On one side a seeded and on the other an unseeded dacron graft were inserted. After 3 months the grafts were excised. In grafts and arteries, the endoluminal release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TxB2 was determined in a perfusion system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy were used to determine the EC coverage and cell identity.


RESULTS
Eight animals survived. Three seeded and two unseeded grafts were occluded. Prostacyclin release did not differ significantly between seeded and unseeded grafts and arteries, when the arteries were looked upon as one group. When the graft was compared with its corresponding artery, i.e. the artery it replaced, a significantly lower release was found in the unseeded group. Thromboxane release was undetectable in arteries but significantly higher in both graft groups. SEM revealed a cellular coverage of 75% in the seeded grafts and 50% in the unseeded (not significant). Light microscopy showed a patchy staining for Factor VIII-related antigen in some grafts in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Prostacyclin release in unseeded and seeded dacron grafts did not differ 3 months after implantation in sheep, except when the graft was compared with its corresponding artery. The significance of this remains to be settled. Seeded grafts did not have a higher proportion of endothelial coverage than unseeded grafts.
Jensen
N
N
Department of Surgery, Lund University, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden.
Brunkwall
J
J
Fält
K
K
Lindblad
B
B
Bergqvist
D
D
D015121:6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000378:metabolism*; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012756:Sheep; D013499:Surface Properties; D013929:Thromboxane B2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000032:analysis
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D013929:Thromboxane B2; D015121:6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha; D011464:Epoprostenol