Behavior of cryopreserved endothelial cells in different phases: their application in the seeding of vascular prostheses.

Various methods of cryopreservation of human endothelial cells (EC) were studied to determine their viability and behavior when seeded onto vascular prostheses made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Three different protocols were used: (1) cyropreservation of whole umbilical vein, (2) cyropreservation of freshly extracted umbilical EC in suspension, and (3) cryopreservation of EC derived from a first subculture. Fresh EC and EC from a first subculture were used as controls.

Coatings for vascular prostheses: mesothelial cells express specific markers for muscle cells and have biological activity similar to that of endothelial cells.

The use of human omentum as an alternative to veins as a source of cells for seeding onto small-caliber vascular prostheses has awakened controversy as to the identification of the predominant cell type derived from this source. Mesothelial cells from omentum were extracted by collagenase digestion, and cultured until a monolayer was formed. These cells showed positivity for monoclonal antibodies specific for endothelial cells (anti-CD34 QBEND10), antibodies to intermediate filaments (anti-vimentin and anti-desmin) and anti-smooth muscle cell antibodies (anti-actin and anti-total actin).

Endothelial cell seeding of polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prostheses coated with a fibroblastic matrix.

One of the most serious problems with endothelial cell (EC) seeding of prosthetic materials is the poor adhesion and stability of the cells. Although several substrates that improve the initial adhesion have been assayed, the EC are lost within a limited period of time. In this study we attempted to modify the hydrophobic conditions of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) by treating it with ethanol prior to seeding.

Seeding of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts. A morphological study of porcine endothelial and fibroblast cells.

The need to improve clinical results with small and medium calibre grafts has led to extensive research on cell seeding of prosthetic materials. Numerous problems remain regarding identification, seeding, adhesion and survival of the cells attached. We have studied the behaviour of seedings of endothelial and fibroblast cells on ePTFE grafts.