Prostacyclin production from seeded prosthetic vascular grafts

Abstract Endothelial cell seeding has been proposed as a method of improving potency rates in small-calibre prosthetic vascular grafts. In vivo, endothelid cells normally produce prostacyclin (PGI2), a potent antiplatelet agent. The aim of this study was to determine whether seeded grafts show significant PGI2 production after in vivo implantation. Grafts were seeded with either autologous canine venous endothelial cells or autologous microvascular endothelial cells. After 12 weeks, PGI2 production was assessed under basal and stimulated conditions. Seeded grafts were compared with non-seeded controls and the corresponding aorta. The overall patency rate in seeded grafts was 80 per cent compared wiih 10 per cent in non-seeded grafts (P < 0.01). Grafts seeded with cells from either source produced significantly more PGI2 than unseeded grafts in both basal cind stimulated states (P < 0.05). The aorto produced significantly more PGI2 than seeded grafts under both conditions (P < 0.01). Endothelial cell seeding produces a functional graft and leads to an improved patency rate.