Decellularized, xenogeneic small-diameter arteries: Transition from a muscular to an elastic phenotype in vivo
✍ Scribed by Helga Bergmeister; Roberto Plasenzotti; Ingrid Walter; Christian Plass; Fabienne Bastian; Erwin Rieder; Wolfgang Sipos; Alexandra Kaider; Udo Losert; Guenter Weigel
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2008
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 585 KB
- Volume
- 87B
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 1552-4973
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✦ Synopsis
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 × 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. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2008