Decellularized, xenogeneic small-diameter arteries: transition from a muscular to an elastic phenotype in vivo.
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.
Bergmeister
Helga
H
Division of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Plasenzotti
Roberto
R
Walter
Ingrid
I
Plass
Christian
C
Bastian
Fabienne
F
Rieder
Erwin
E
Sipos
Wolfgang
W
Kaider
Alexandra
A
Losert
Udo
U
Weigel
Guenter
G
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
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D006493:Heparin