Abstract

Rapid endothelialization is crucial for in situ tissue engineering vascular grafts to prevent graft failure in the long-term. Gelatin is a promising nature material that can promote endothelial cells (ECs) adhesion, proliferation, and migration. In this study, the internal surface of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) vascular grafts was coated with gelatin. Endothelialization and vascular wall remolding were investigated by imaging and histological studies in the rat abdominal aorta replacement model. The endothelialization of heparinized gelatin-coated PCL (GP-H) vascular grafts was more rapid and complete than heparinized PCL (P-H) grafts. Intimal hyperplasia was milder in the GP-H vascular grafts than the P-H vascular grafts in the long-term. Meanwhile, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) regeneration were better in the GP-H vascular grafts. By comparison, an aneurysm was observed in the P-H group in 6 months. Calcification was observed in both groups. All vascular grafts were patient after implantation in both groups. Our results showed that gelatin coating on the internal surface of PCL grafts is a simple and effective way to promote endothelialization. A more rapid endothelialization and complete endothelium can inhibit intimal hyperplasia in the long-term.

摘要

快速内皮化对于原位组织工程血管移植，以防止长期移植失败。明胶是一种很有前途的天然材料，可以促进内皮细胞 (EC) 的粘附、增殖和迁移。在这项研究中，电纺聚己内酯 (PCL) 血管移植物的内表面涂有明胶。通过在大鼠腹主动脉置换模型中的成像和组织学研究来研究内皮化和血管壁重塑。肝素化明胶涂层 PCL (GP-H) 血管移植物的内皮化比肝素化 PCL (PH) 移植物更快和更完整。从长远来看，GP-H 血管移植物的内膜增生较 PH 血管移植物轻微。同时，GP-H 血管移植物中的平滑肌细胞 (SMCs) 和细胞外基质 (ECM) 再生更好。通过比较，PH组在6个月时观察到一个动脉瘤。两组均观察到钙化。两组所有血管移植物均在植入后患者。我们的结果表明，PCL 移植物内表面的明胶涂层是一种简单有效的促进内皮化的方法。更快速的内皮化和完整的内皮可以长期抑制内膜增生。