Arterial vascular cells have been successfully utilized for tissue engineering in
human cardiovascular structures, such as heart valves. The present study evaluates
saphenous vein-derived myofibroblasts as an alternative, easy-to-access cell source
for human cardiovascular tissue engineering. Biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds
were seeded with human vascular myofibroblasts. Group A consisted of scaffolds seeded
with cells from ascending aortic tissue; in group B, saphenous vein-derived cells
were used. Analysis included histology, electron microscopy, mechanical testing, and
biochemical assays for cell proliferation (DNA) and extracellular matrix (collagen).
DNA content was comparable in both groups. Collagen and stress at maximum load was
significantly higher in group B. Morphology showed viable, layered cellular tissue
in all samples, with collagen fibrils most pronounced in group B. In conclusion, saphenous
vein myofibroblasts cultured on biodegradable scaffolds showed excellent in vitro tissue generation. Collagen formation and mechanical properties were superior to
aortic tissue derived constructs. Therefore, the easy-to-access vein cells represent
a promising alternative cell source for cardiovascular tissue engineering.
Key words:
Tissue engineering - Cardiovascular surgery - Extracellular matrix
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1 Presented at: 30. Annual meeting of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular
Surgery in Leipzig, February 18 - 21, 2001
M.D. Simon Philipp Hoerstrup
Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery
University Hospital Zurich
Raemistrasse 100
8091 Zurich
Switzerland
Telefon: +41(1) 255 38 01
Fax: +41(1) 255 43 69
eMail: simon philipp.hoerstrup@chi.usz.ch
