Mapping of bovine pericardium: physical and histopathologic tests.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to identify the physical and histopathologic characteristics of different sections of glutaraldehyde-tanned bovine pericardium.


METHODS
Ten pericardial sacs were obtained from animals aged from 18 to 36 months. Physical tests included shrinkage and mechanical resistance (rupture, elongation, tenacity index). Collagen and elastic fibers were evaluated in Gomori's trichrome-stained sections, hematoxylin and eosin, by PAS and Verhoeff's method. Studied areas were proximal to the great arteries, and the right atrial, right ventricular, left ventricular and left atrial regions.


CONCLUSIONS
Results showed that bovine pericardium does not have enough regional differences to identify any single region for bioprosthesis manufacture. However, histopathology showed better preservation of collagen and elastic fibers in the right ventricular region, implying that this area is more adequate as bioprosthetic material.
Braile
D M
DM
School of Medicine, FAMERP, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil.
Soares
M J
MJ
Souza
D R
DR
Ramirez
V D
VD
Suzigan
S
S
Godoy
M F
MF
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D002417:Cattle; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004548:Elasticity; D005976:Glutaral; D008422:Materials Testing; D010496:Pericardium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014021:Tissue Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000379:methods
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003094:Collagen; D005976:Glutaral