No abstract

The thrombogenicity of five suture materials--polypropylene (Prolene), polyester (Mersilene), polyglactin 910 (Vicryl), nylon (Tthilon), and silk--was examined in vivo by scanning electron microscopy. The most blood-compatible material appeared to be Prolene. A rather satisfactory antithrombogenciity was shown by Mersilene, in comparison with which Ethilon and Vicryl provided less thromboresistance. The possible connection between the chemical changes which occur during the hydrolysis of Vicryl and its blood compatibility is discussed. Of the tested materials, silk proved to be the most thrombogenic. This study shows that the thrombogenicity of a suture material could be easily and conveniently tested in an experimental model by scanning electron microscopy, thus enabling the first choice of a suitable suture for the cardiovascular surgery, before one continues with other more sophisticated methods for the evaluation of thromboresistance.

To quantify the effects of gentamicin, kanamycin and netilmicin on renal protein reabsorption and accumulation, these drugs were administered to rats intraperitoneally (30 mg/kg/day) for 7, 14 or 21 days. Scanning electron microscopy of the glomerular endothelia, urinary measurements of sodium, potassium, endogenous lysozyme, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) as well as clearance and accumulation experiments after i.v. administration of egg-white lysozyme and measurements of inulin clearance (GFR) were done in each treatment group. Gentamicin administration decreased diameter, density and shape of endothelial fenestrae. Kanamycin and netilmicin appeared to have no effect at the dose used. All three aminoglycosides decreased GFR and increased urinary excretion of sodium and potassium. While gentamicin and kanamycin decreased the percentage reabsorption and accumulation of lysozyme after i.v. administration of egg-white lysozyme netilmicin had no effect. Daily excretion of total protein, endogenous lysozyme and NAG increased only after treatment with kanamycin and gentamicin. Thus, aminoglycosides may act as nephrotoxicants at glomerular and/or tubular level inducing impairment of renal reabsorption and accumulation of proteins.

Because of the danger of thrombosis, venous replacement by prostheses is a yet clinically unsolved problem. We tested the PTFE-prosthesis at the positions of vena cava inferior and iliac veins in dogs. Already eight weeks after operation, the inner surface of the prosthesis was covered by a thin neo-intima, which by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy was shown to contain a basal membrane and endothelial cells. This continuous layer may be responsible for the observed low rate of thrombosis. These findings suggest that the PTFE-prosthesis may offer advantages for venous replacement in patients.

Effects of the aminoglycosides, gentamicin, netilmicin and tobramycin (30 mg/kg/day × 7, i.p.), on glomerular ultrastrucutre were determined in male Wistar rats. Glomerular ultrastructure was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The average number of capillary endothelial fenestrae per 5 μm of capillary wall decreased from a control value of 10.8 to 8.2 and 8.1 in gentamicin- and tobramycin-treated rats, respectively, as shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the density of endothelial fenestrae decreased to about 80% of control in gentamicin- and tobramycin-treated rats. In addition, gentamicin and tobramycin produced a marked reduction in the number of granulated myoepithelioid cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Netilmicin appeared to have no effect on glomerular ultrastructure. Both TEM and SEM, indicate that the nephrotoxic aminoglycosides gentamicin and tobramycin alter the ultrastructure of the fenestrated endothelia of the glomerular capillaries. These ultrastructural changes appear to be correlated to the impairment of the glomerular permeability for different compounds.