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DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1191662
Regeneration potential of decellularized equine pericardial patches implanted into the aortic position of the juvenile sheep model
Objectives: In the past several studies showed the successful use of decellularized tissue in the pulmonary circulation. This study, however was performed to evaluate if a newly developed decellularized equine pericardial patch can be used in the systemic circulation.
Methods: Seven decellularized equine pericardial scaffolds were implanted into the descending aorta of juvenile sheep. The implanted patches were oversized to evaluate the durability of the decellularized tissue under high surface tension (Law of Laplace). After 4 months of implantation all decellularized patches were inspected by groß examination, light microscopy (H&E, serius red, Gomori, Weigert and von Kossa straining), and immunohistochemical staining.
Results: All animals showed fast recovery after surgery. There was no mortality during follow-up. At explantation only minimal adhesion were seen at the surgical site. Gross examination showed a smooth and pliable surface without degeneration as well as absence of aneurysmatic dilatation. Light microscopy showed a well preserved extracellular scaffold with a monolayer of endothelial cells covering the luminal side of the patch. On the opposite side, a well developed neo-vascularization was seen. Host fibroblasts were seen in all layers of the scaffolds. There was no evidence for structural deterioration or calcification of the decellularized equine pericardial scaffolds.
Conclusion: In the juvenile sheep, decellularized equine tissue showed no structural deterioration, but regeneration and remodeling processes in systemic circulation.