Optimal cell source for cardiovascular tissue engineering : venous vs. aortic human myofibroblasts

A.M. Schnell, S.P. Hoerstrup, G. Zund, S. Kolb, R. Sodian, J.F. Visjager, J. Grunenfelder, A. Suter, M.I. Turina

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

106 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Presented at: 30. Annual meeting of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in Leipzig, February 18 - 21, 2001 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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)221-225
Number of pages5
JournalThoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
Volume49
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003

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