Behaviour of endothelial cells cultured in the presence of polymers impregnated with adsorbable proteins

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this study is the in vitro evaluation of the functional modifications of human endothelial cells in the presence of Dacron® impregnated with resorbable proteins. For this purpose, human endothelial cells isolated from the umbilical vein have been put in contact for 48 h with knitted Dacron® impregnated with collagen or gelatin and with nonimpregnated knitted Dacron® and double velour Dacron®. As control, endothelial cells cultured in the absence of material were used. After the contact time, cell counts were performed. In addition, the concentrations of two proteins synthesized by endothelium, tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1), were evaluated on the supernatants. In the cultures in contact with Dacron® impregnated with collagen or gelatin and in those in contact with knitted Dacron®, we have observed a smaller cell growth than that observed in cultures without materials. The synthesis of t‐PA showed some significant variations between the control cultures and those in contact with the materials. PAI‐1 production was significantly reduced in the cultures in contact with gelatin impregnated Dacron® and with knitted Dacron®. Double velour Dacron® caused no significant variation in any of the examined parameters. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.