title: Decellularized, xenogeneic small-diameter arteries: transition from a muscular to an elastic phenotype in vivo.
abstract: Reports regarding the biocompatibility of xenogeneic, decellularized bioprosthetic implants differ between bioinertness and complete graft degradation. We investigated heparin-crosslinked and nonheparinized, xenogeneic vascular substitutes in a rat model. Porcine arteries (15 x 1.5 mm) were decellularized by multistep detergent and enzymatic techniques, which were followed by heparin-crosslinking in 50% of the implants. Prostheses were implanted into the abdominal aorta of 76 rats for 1 day and up to 6 months. Retrieved specimens were evaluated by histology, immunohistochemistry, laser scanning, and scanning electron microscopy. Graft patency did not differ between groups (97.3%). Heparinized grafts showed a statistically significant lower rate of aneurysm formation (p = 0.04 %). Implants revealed infiltration with granulocytes and macrophages up to 3 months. Recellularization with endothelial cells and myofibroblasts was detectable within 1 month. After 6 months elastin biosynthesis and complete graft remodeling toward an elastic vessel was evident. These results indicate that temporary inflammation does not interfere with long-term vascular remodeling.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Helga
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bergmeister
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Plasenzotti
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Plass
authors.forename: Fabienne
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bastian
authors.forename: Erwin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rieder
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sipos
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaider
authors.forename: Udo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Losert
authors.forename: Guenter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Weigel
mesh_terms: D000783:Aneurysm / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery; D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D004548:Elasticity; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000473:pathology; D006493:Heparin; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology; D008422:Materials Testing; D010641:Phenotype; D051381:Rats; D013552:Swine; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014654:Vascular Patency
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D006493:Heparin