Degradable gelatin microspheres as an embolic agent: an experimental study in a rabbit renal model.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the basic characteristics of degradable gelatin microspheres (GMSs), including their embolic behavior and degradation periods when they are used as embolic materials in the renal arteries of rabbit models.


METHODS
Based on the GMS particle size, 24 kidneys were divided into 3 groups of eight kidneys, and each group was embolized with a different GMS particle size (group 1: 35-100 microm, group 2: 100-200 microm, and group 3: 200-300 microm). From each group, two rabbits were sacrificed immediately after embolization (day 0), and a pair of rabbits from each group underwent an angiogram and were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 14, respectively, after embolization. The level of arterial occlusion, the pathological changes in the renal parenchyma, and the degradation of the GMSs were evaluated angiographically and histologically.


RESULTS
A follow-up angiogram on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 revealed the presence of wedge-shaped poorly-enhanced areas in the parenchymal phase as seen in all groups. The size of these areas tended to increase with the particle diameter, and persisted up to day 14. On days 3, 7, and 14, parenchymal infarctions were observed histologically in all cases, and this observation corresponded with the parenchyma being supplied by the embolized arteries. GMSs of group 1 mainly reached the interlobular arteries, while those of group 3 mainly reached the interlobar arteries. In all but two cases, the GMSs were identified histologically even on day 14, and sequential degradation was histologically identified in all GMS groups.


CONCLUSIONS
GMSs can be used as degradable embolic materials which can control the level of embolization.
Ohta
Shinichi
S
Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan. junryuhei@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp
Nitta
Norihisa
N
Takahashi
Masashi
M
Murata
Kiyoshi
K
Tabata
Yasuhiko
Y
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005780:Gelatin; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply; D008863:Microspheres; D010316:Particle Size; D011817:Rabbits; D011859:Radiography; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D012078:Renal Artery Obstruction / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005780:Gelatin