A rat arteriovenous graft model using decellularized vein

Abstract

Background The high rate of clinical failure of prosthetic arteriovenous grafts continues to suggest the need for novel tissue-engineered vascular grafts. We tested the hypothesis that the decellularized rat jugular vein could be successfully used as a conduit and that it would support reendothelialization as well as adaptation to the arterial environment. Materials and methods Autologous (control) or heterologous decellularized jugular vein (1 cm length, 1 mm diameter) was sewn between the inferior vena cava and aorta as an arteriovenous graft in Wistar rats. Rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 21 for examination. Results All rats survived, and grafts had 100% patency in both the control and decellularized groups. Both control and decellularized jugular vein grafts showed similar rates of reendothelialization, smooth muscle cell deposition, macrophage infiltration, and cell turnover. The outflow veins distal to the grafts showed similar adaptation to the arteriovenous flow. Both CD34, CD90 and nestin positive cells, as well as M1-type and M2-type macrophages accumulated around the graft. Conclusions This model shows that decellularized vein can be successfully used as an arteriovenous graft between the rat aorta and the inferior vena cava. Several types of cells, including progenitor cells and macrophages, are present in the host response to these grafts in this model. This model can be used to test the application of arteriovenous grafts before conducting large animal experiments.

Hybrid fibroin/polyurethane small-diameter vascular grafts: from fabrication to in vivo preliminary assessment

“…In light of that, the success rate of the performed implants of 3L Silkothane® grafts is considered to be satisfactory and comparable in terms of patency, integration with the anatomical site and remodelling, with autologous decellularized heterologous grafts, as calcification was absent, too. The success rate of the performed implants is satisfactory and comparable in terms of patency, integration with the anatomical site and remodelling with autologous and decellularized heterologous grafts [59].…”

Supercritical carbon dioxide-decellularized arteries exhibit physiologic-like vessel regeneration following xenotransplantation in rats

“…6 Detergent decellularized heterologous rat carotid arteries developed using a rodent arteriovenous graft model showed good patency in a small animal model, comparable to the results obtained with control autologous carotid artery grafts. 7,8 The decellularized artery conserves the structure and mechanical properties of the blood vessels without immunological reactivity.…”

In VitroAnalysis of the Cytocompatibility of a Novel Porcine Aortic Patch for Vascular Reconstruction

“…This issue could be initially overcome by using proteolytic enzymes to remove the cellular donor material in combination with chemical tanning processes of the remaining collagen structure via formaldehyde or dialdehyde (25). The resulting decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds are in use in various vascular surgery indications, today especially in shunt surgery (25)(26)(27). The low risk of infection in particular, is one of the biggest advantages of xenogeneic transplants, in addition to their almost unlimited "off the shelf" availability and various lengths available (28).…”