Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Research Articles

A rabbit model for embolic infarct potentials of injectables using ultrasound-guided carotid artery puncture

In order to evaluate the in vivo thrombogenicity of injectable agents, a suitable animal model is needed. We introduce an ultrasound-guided non-selective cerebral artery occlusion model via the common carotid arteries of rabbits. A total of 30 rabbits were assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 10). Each group received 2 mL suspension of embolic agent or 2 mL of normal saline, respectively, under ultrasound guidance. The animals were observed for immediate reaction and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Follow-up neurologic examination was conducted 24 h following the procedure. In 7 of the 30 rabbits, 2 in the control group and 5 in the experimental group, the administration of either normal saline or the embolic agent failed. Among the successfully injected 15 experimental animals, 14 showed neurologic impairment or deceased, whereas 1 animal did not show significant neurologic deficit. The MRI of 4 experimental animals showed detectable cerebral infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging. None of the 8 control animals showed neurologic abnormality and their brain MRI was normal. Our minimally invasive model is technically feasible and competent to show thrombogenecity of an injectable agent and consequent in vivo neurologic outcome.

Matrix Regeneration Ability In Situ Induced by a Silk Fibroin Small-Caliber Artificial Blood Vessel In Vivo.

The success of a small-caliber artificial vascular graft in the host in order to obtain functional tissue regeneration and remodeling remains a great challenge in clinical application. In our previous work, a silk-based, small-caliber tubular scaffold (SFTS) showed excellent mechanical properties, long-term patency and rapid endothelialization capabilities. On this basis, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the vascular reconstruction process after implantation to replace the common carotid artery in rabbits. The new tissue on both sides of the SFTSs at 1 month was clearly observed. Inside the SFTSs, the extracellular matrix (ECM) was deposited on the pore wall at 1 month and continued to increase during the follow-up period. The self-assembled collagen fibers and elastic fibers were clearly visible in a circumferential arrangement at 6 months and were similar to autologous blood vessels. The positive expression rate of Lysyl oxidase-1 (LOXL-1) was positively correlated with the formation and maturity of collagen fibers and elastic fibers. In summary, the findings of the tissue regeneration processes indicated that the bionic SFTSs induced in situ angiogenesis in defects.

Effect of high- intensity extremely low frequency magnetic field on the intermediate stage atherosclerotic plaque remodeling: Monitored by histopathology and color doppler ultrasonography

Background and Aims : The aim of this study was to generate an experimental rabbit common carotid artery model of intermediate stage atherosclerosis and the subsequent, investigating the effect of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposure on the foam cells- rich plaque structure in this model.

Reduced Function of Endothelial Nitric Oxide and Hyperpolarization in Artery Grafts with Poor Runoff

BackgroundThe endothelium regulates vascular tonus by releasing nitric oxide (endothelium-derived nitric oxide, EDNO) and hyperpolarizing factor (endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, EDHF). In vein grafts with poor runoff, lack of function of these factors causes severe intimal hyperplasia. This study evaluated how the functions of EDNO and EDHF are altered in artery grafts under poor runoff conditions. Materials and MethodsThe right common carotid arteries of rabbits were excised and implanted in their original positions as autogenous grafts under normal runoff conditions (“nonoccluded grafts”) or poor runoff conditions (“poor runoff grafts”). Histochemical changes, acetylcholine (ACh)-induced effects on endothelium-dependent relaxation and smooth muscle cell (SMC) hyperpolarization were examined. ResultsBoth artery graft types displayed negligible intimal hyperplasia. In the absence and presence of an EDNO synthase inhibitor, ACh-induced relaxation was lower in grafts with poor runoff than in nonoccluded grafts. Furthermore, ACh-induced but not nonreceptor agonist A23187-induced SMC hyperpolarization was lower in the poor runoff graft group than in the nonoccluded graft group. ConclusionsUnlike in those in vein grafts, the functions of EDNO and EDHF in autogenous carotid artery grafts under poor runoff conditions were reduced but partly maintained. In such artery grafts, intimal hyperplasia caused by surgical operation was not present. These results may explain some of the mechanisms underlying the improved patency of artery grafts compared with vein grafts.

Combination thrombolytic therapy of embolic artery using B- mode ultrasound- guided extracorporeal focused low- level confocal dual pulse electrohydraulic shock wave and intracorporeal catheter- based Q-switched Nd: YAG laser

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to generate a rabbit common carotid artery model of thromboembolism occlusion and the subsequent investigating the feasibility of B- mode ultrasound- guided shock wave- photomechanic combination thrombolytic therapy, without anti- thrombotic drug administration in this model.

Rapid Hemostatic Biomaterial from a Natural Bath Sponge Skeleton.

Uncontrolled bleeding is the main cause of mortality from trauma. Collagen has been developed as an important hemostatic material due to its platelet affinity function. A bath sponge skeleton is rich in collagen, also known as spongin. To understand the hemostatic effect of spongin, spongin materials, SX, SFM and SR were prepared from the bath sponge Spongia officinalis, and hemostatic experiments were performed. The SX, SFM and SR were significantly better than the positive control, type I collagen, in shortening the whole blood clotting time in vitro and hemostasis upon rat tail amputation. In a hemostatic experiment of rabbit common carotid artery injury, the hemostatic time and 3 h survival rate of the SFM group were 3.00 ± 1.53 min and 100%, respectively, which are significantly better than those of the commercial hemostat CELOX-A (10.33 ± 1.37 min and 67%, respectively). Additionally, the SFM showed good coagulation effects in platelet-deficient blood and defibrinated blood, while also showing good biocompatibility. Through a variety of tests, we speculated that the hemostatic activity of the SFM is mainly caused by its hyperabsorbency, high affinity to platelets and high effective concentration. Overall, the SFM and spongin derivates could be potential hemostatic agents for uncontrolled bleeding and hemorrhagic diseases caused by deficiency or dysfunction of coagulation factors.

Targeted Delivery of Salusin-α Into Rabbit Carotid Arterial Endothelium Using SonoVue.

ObjectivesA new method based on the adhesion of SonoVue to plasmids was assessed to achieve targeted gene delivery into the vascular endothelium.MethodspEGFP‐Salusin‐α and pcDNA3.1‐Salusin‐α plasmids were transfected into the arterial endothelium of different rabbit groups. Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of EGFP and salusin‐α in the common carotid arteries of rabbits from different groups, and ELISA was performed to detect plasma salusin‐α levels in rabbits from each group; simultaneously, blood parameters of different groups of rabbits were measured.ResultsGreen fluorescence was observed in the right common carotid artery of rabbits transfected with pEGFP‐Salusin‐α, but not in the endothelial cells of not‐transfected control rabbits. The expression of salusin‐α in the transfected animals was higher than that in the control not‐transfected animals (P < .05). In rabbits transfected with pcDNA3.1‐Salusin‐α plasmid, salusin‐α expression was higher than in the not‐transfected control animals (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in plasma salusin‐α levels between transfected animals and controls (P > .05). Blood parameters were also measured in both groups.ConclusionsOur data confirm the establishment of a new method using SonoVue for targeted gene delivery into the arterial endothelium. Our study outcomes propose a new method of intervention in atherosclerosis and a new tool for targeted gene delivery.

Zoopery study on the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with a new blood flow guide device.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of arterial embolism device system produced by Taijie Weiye Technology Co., Ltd. Twenty healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits weighting from 3 to 4 kg were taken. Ligation and Elastic induction were used to build the aneurysm model of right common carotid artery in rabbits. The angiography and the arterial embolization device were implanted four weeks after the animal models were established. This device has excellent manufacturing, good controllability, and smooth pushing process. Five rabbits were randomly selected for angiography test to observe the healing of aneurysms in the first month, the third month and the sixth month after operation. Three other animal models with successful implantation were examined by arteriography in the first month, the third month and the sixth month, and the effect of implantation device on intercostal artery was recorded and analyzed. In the process of making aneurysm models, sixteen animals were successfully implanted with one device, two animals were given overlapping devices, and only two animals died in the process. The success rate of arterial embolic device system in the treatment of aneurysm was more than 80%. Among them, the two animals with 2 devices also achieved satisfactory therapeutic effect. According to this study, we found that the arterial embolization device system manufactured by Beijing Tajie Weiye Science and Technology Co., Ltd. was excellent in the immediate postoperative aneurysm occlusion rate and the long-term outcomes.

Motility and function of smooth muscle cells in a silk small-caliber tubular scaffold after replacement of rabbit common carotid artery

Cell infiltration and proliferation are prerequisites for tissue regeneration and repair. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the motility and function of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in a silk-based small-caliber artificial blood vessel (SFTS) following implantation to replace the common carotid artery in rabbits. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed a number of SMCs clearly distributed in the scaffold at 1month, which gradually increased up to 80-90% of autologous blood vessels at 3months and was 100% at 12months. Smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) are specific markers of SMCs. Real-time PCR results showed that the gene expression level of α-SMA in SFTSs was significantly down-regulated within 6months, except in the early stage of implantation. The relative expression level of α-SMA at 12months was five times higher than that at 3months, indicating that SMCs phenotype transformed from synthetic to contractile. The SM-MHC+ and α-SMA+ SMCs were disorderly distributed in the scaffolds at 1month, but became ordered along the circumference 6months after grafting as shown by immunohistochemistry. Results indicated that the bionic SFTSs were able to induce in situ angiogenesis in defects.

Cryopreservation of the common carotid artery of the rabbit: Optimization of dimethyl sulfoxide concentration and cooling rate

This paper describes the continuation of studies that demonstrated the suitability of CP-Tes solution as a medium for the introduction and removal of dimethyl sulfoxide in rabbit common carotid arteries and established the kinetics of cryoprotectant permeation in that tissue. In this paper we report the tolerance of rabbit common carotid artery to dimethyl sulfoxide, in concentrations up to 30% (w/w), using a technique of exposure that was designed to control osmotic stress. The maximum concentration achieved without damage was 15% (w/w). Vessels were then equilibrated with 15% dimethyl sulfoxide and cooled to −80 °C at 0.22, 0.69, 2.15, or 9.63 °C/min: they were then transferred to the gas phase of a liquid nitrogen refrigerator {temperature below −160 °C) for storage. Thawing was carried out in a 37 °C water bath. The optimum rate of cooling for these conditions was found to be 0.69 °C/min. The maximal recovery of contractile force in response to 10−6 M norepinephrine was 30–40%; relaxation to acetylcholine (an endothelium-mediated function) was 80% of control, and an estimated 71% of endothelial cells survived with minimal ultrastructural change.

Magnesium alloy covered stent for the treatment of a direct carotid-cavernous fistula in the rabbit common carotid artery

Objective To introduce the carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) model, and evaluate the feasibility of a magnesium alloy covered stent (MACS) to treat a CCF model in the rabbit common carotid artery (CCA). Methods In 12 New Zealand rabbits, a CCF model was created with the right CCA and external jugular vein (EJV) using side-to-side anastomosis. A MACS was inserted into the CCF model under fluoroscopic guidance. CCF occlusion was studied through follow-up angiograms at 3, 6, and 12 months after stent placement. Results CCF models with pulsatile exophthalmos, conjunctival congestion, and extroversion of the eyes were successfully established in all 12 rabbits before stent placement. Stent placement was technically successful in all rabbits except two, giving a technique success rate of 83% (10/12). Complete CCF occlusion was achieved without endoleak in 10 rabbits by angiography immediate, and at 3rd, 6th and 12th month after operation. Conclusion The creation of the CCF model with the correct CCA and EJV by side-to-side anastomosis was successful and reproducible, and MACS was proved to be one of the feasible approaches for occlusion of a CCF. Key words: Carotid-cavernous fistula; Magnesium alloy; Covered stent; Rabbit

DEVELOPING OF A NEW RABBIT CAROTID ARTERY MODEL OF NEOINTIMAL HYPERPLASIA WITH SEVERE STENOSIS: MONITORED BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND HISTOPATHOLOGY

Neointimal hyperplasia is the major cause of restenosis after percutaneous coronary and carotid interventions such as stenting or angioplasty. Neointimal hyperplasia is also used to describe the thickening of venous and prosthetic bypass grafts that leads to reduced lumen diameter and flow and, ultimately, graft occlusion and thrombosis. Direct investigation of neointimal hyperplasia stenosis in human arteries is by nature difficult to do. As a result, animal models offer an alternative that can replicate the physiopathology aspects of neointimal hyperplasia stenosis while allowing for controllable variables and statistical data in a short period of time. Therefore, an appropriate animal model could prove critical to the research and development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The aim of this study was to generate an easily reproducible and inexpensive experimental rabbit common carotid artery of neointimal hyperplasia stenosis with morphological similarities to the human disease. Twenty- eight healthy male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2.5-3.0 kg were used in this study. Rabbits were divided randomly into a healthy group (A) in which the rabbits consumed a standard chow diet (n = 14), and an injured group (B) in which the rabbits underwent perivascular cold injury to the right common carotid artery using liquid nitrogen. Histopathology results showed progressive smooth muscle cells proliferation in intimal layer, resulting in vessel wall thickening and the formation of neointimal hyperplasia with moderate artery stenosis in all of the rabbits’ arteries after four weeks. Results from color Doppler ultrasonography at the stenotic region showed a significant increase in the mean value for blood mean velocity, wall mean thickness, percentage of luminal cross- sectional area of stenosis and significant reduction in the mean value for blood volume flow in the neointimal hyperplasia group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we successfully produced an easily reproducible and inexpensive experimental rabbit common carotid artery model of neointimal hyperplasia stenosis, which is similar to the condition seen in patients. This condition in rabbits can be properly assessed by color Doppler ultrasonography.

&lt;em&gt;In Vivo&lt;/em&gt; Gene Transfer to the Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Endothelium

The goal of this method is to introduce a transgene into the endothelium of isolated segments of both rabbit common carotid arteries. The method achieves focal endothelial-selective transgenesis, thereby allowing an investigator to determine the biological roles of endothelial-expressed transgenes and to quantify the in vivo transcriptional activity of DNA sequences in large artery endothelial cells. The method uses surgical isolation of rabbit common carotid arteries and an arteriotomy to deliver a transgene-expressing viral vector into the arterial lumen. A short incubation period of the vector in the lumen, with subsequent aspiration of the lumen contents, is sufficient to achieve efficient and durable expression of the transgene in the endothelium, with no detectable transduction or expression outside of the isolated arterial segment. The method allows assessment of the biological activities of transgene products both in normal arteries and in models of human vascular disease, while avoiding systemic effects that could be caused either by targeting gene delivery to other sites (e.g. the liver) or by the alternative approach of delivering genetic constructs to the endothelium by germ line transgenesis. Application of the method is limited by the need for a skilled surgeon and anesthetist, a well-equipped operating room, the costs of purchasing and housing rabbits, and the need for expertise in gene-transfer vector construction and use. Results obtained with this method include: transgene-related alterations in arterial structure, cellularity, extracellular matrix, or vasomotor function; increases or reductions in arterial inflammation; alterations in vascular cell apoptosis; and progression, retardation, or regression of diseases such as intimal hyperplasia or atherosclerosis. The method also allows measurement of the ability of native and synthetic DNA regulatory sequences to alter transgene expression in endothelial cells, providing results that include: levels of transgene mRNA, levels of transgene protein, and levels of transgene enzymatic activity.

&lt;em&gt;In Vivo&lt;/em&gt; Gene Transfer to the Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Endothelium

In Vivo Gene Transfer To The Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Endothelium - Video. JoVE publishes peer-reviewed scientific video protocols to accelerate biological, medical, chemical and physical research. Watch our scientific video articles. JoVE is the world-leading producer and provider of science videos with the mission to improve scientific research, scientific journals, and education. Millions of scientists, educators and students at thousands of universities, colleges, hospitals and biopharmaceutical companies worldwide use JoVE for their research, teaching and learning.

The degradation and transport mechanism of a Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr stent in rabbit common carotid artery: A 20-month study

Mg-based stent is a promising candidate of the next generation fully degradable vascular stents. The latest progress includes the CE approval of the Magmaris ® WE43 based drug eluting stent. However, so far, the long term (more than 1 year implantation) in vivo degradation and the physiological effects caused by the degradation products were still unclear. In this study, a 20 month observation was carried out after the bare Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr (abbr. JDBM) stent prototype was implanted into the common carotid artery of New Zealand white rabbit in order to evaluate its safety, efficacy and especially degradation behavior. The degradation of the main second phase Mg12Nd was also studied. Results showed that the bare JDBM stent had good safety and efficacy with a complete re-endothelialization within 28 days. The JDBM stent struts were mostly replaced in situ by degradation products in 4 month. The important finding was that the volume and Ca concentration of the degradation products decreased in the long term, eliminating the clinicians’ concern of possible vessel calcification. In addition, the alloying elements Mg and Zn in the stent could be safely metabolized as continuous enrichment in any of the main organs were not detected although Nd and Zr showed an abrupt increase in spleen and liver after 1 month implantation. Collectively, the long term in vivo results showed the rapid re-endothelialization of JDBM stent and the long term safety of the degradation products, indicating its great potential as the backbone of the fully degradable vascular stent. Statement of significanceMg-based stent is a promising candidate of the next generation fully degradable stents, especially after the recent market launch of one of its kind (Magmaris). However the fundamental question about the long term degradation and metabolic mechanism of Mg-based stent and its degradation products remain unanswered. We implanted our patented Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr bare stent into the common carotid artery of rabbits and conducted a 20 months observation. We found that the Ca containing degradation products could be further degraded in vivo. All the alloying elements showed no continuous enrichment in the main organs of rabbits. These findings eliminate the clinicians’ concern of possible vessel calcification and element enrichment after the implantation of Mg alloy based stents to some extent.

Resveratrol combined with total flavones of hawthorn alleviate the endothelial cells injury after coronary bypass graft surgery

ObjectiveTo explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of Resveratrol combined with total flavones of hawthorn, compatibility of traditional Chinese medicines, on the endothelial cells injury after artery bypass graft surgery. MethodsThe animal model of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was prepared by transplanting a segment of autologous jugular vein onto the transected common carotid artery in rabbits. After CABG surgery, the rabbits were administrated with saline (model group), aspirin (Aspirin group), resveratrol (Res group), total flavones of hawthorn (Haw group) and resveratrol combined with total flavones of hawthorn (Res+Haw group) once a day for eight weeks, respectively. Eight weeks later, the grafting arteries from all group were obtained for the pathomorphism observation, peripheral blood was collected to detect circulating endothelial cells (CECs) by flow cytometry. And the concentration of albumen and mRNA of ICAM-1 in the serum were measured by western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. ResultsCompared with the model group, the level of CECs density and the expressions of albumen and mRNA of ICAM-1 were significantly decreased in the aspirin,resveratrol,total flavones of hawthorn and resveratrol combined with total flavones of hawthorn groups (P < .05). Of note, above all parameters were lower in Res group than aspirin group. ConclusionThe Resveratrol combined with total flavones of hawthorn could protect the endothelial cells after coronary artery bypass graft.

Correlation between quantitative analysis of wall shear stress and intima-media thickness in atherosclerosis development in carotid arteries

BackgroundThis paper presents quantitative analysis of blood flow shear stress by measuring the carotid arterial wall shear stress (WSS) and the intima-media thickness (IMT) of experimental rabbits fed with high-fat feedstuff on a weekly basis in order to cause atherosclerosis.MethodsThis study is based on establishing an atherosclerosis model of high-fat rabbits, and measuring the rabbits’ common carotid arterial WSS of the experimental group and control group on a weekly basis. Detailed analysis was performed by using WSS quantification.ResultsWe have demonstrated small significant difference of rabbit carotid artery WSS between the experimental group and the control group (P<0.01) from the 1st week onwards, while the IMT of experimental group had larger differences from 5th week compared with the control group (P<0.05). Next, we have shown that with increasing blood lipids, the rabbit carotid artery shear stress decreases and the rabbit carotid artery IMT goes up. The decrease of shear stress appears before the start of IMT growth. Furthermore, our receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that when the mean value of shear stress is 1.198 dyne/cm2, the rabbit common carotid atherosclerosis fatty streaks sensitivity is 89.8%, and the specificity is 81.3%. The area under the ROC curve is 0.9283.ConclusionsAll these data goes to show that WSS decreasing to 1.198 dyne/cm2 can be used as an indicator that rabbit common carotid artery comes into the period of fibrous plaques. In conclusion, our study is able to find and confirm that the decrease of the arterial WSS can predict the occurrence of atherosclerosis earlier, and offer help for positive clinical intervention.

Intermediate analysis of magnesium alloy covered stent for a lateral aneurysm model in the rabbit common carotid artery.

To analyze the outcomes of a magnesium alloy covered stent (MACS) for a lateral aneurysm model in common carotid artery (CCA). In 32 rabbits, a MACS (group A, n = 17) or a Willis covered stent (WCS; group B, n = 15) was inserted and the rabbits were sacrificed 1, 3, 6, or 12 months after stenting. Angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Scanning electron microscopy was performed for six stents in each group at 1, 3, and 6 months, and histopathology and histomorphology were conducted at 3 (n = 4), 6 (n = 4), and 12 (n = 12) months. Final angiography showed complete occlusion of the aneurysms in 12 cases. IVUS at 6 and 12 months revealed a significant increase in mean lumen area of the stented CCA in group A and also showed greater mean lumen area in group A than in group B. The endothelialization process was quicker in group A than in group B. MACS is effective for occlusion of lateral aneurysms and is superior to WCS in growth of the stented CCA and endothelialization. Further work is needed to make this device available for human use. • The MACS is an effective approach for occlusion of a lateral aneurysm. • IVUS showed that the CCA could grow following degradation of the MACS. • The lumen area of the stented CCA was excellent in MACS. • HE staining displayed the degradation of the magnesium alloy stent. • Combination of IVUS and DSA were applied in this study.

Magnesium alloy covered stent for treatment of a lateral aneurysm model in rabbit common carotid artery: An in vivo study.

Magnesium alloy covered stents have rarely been used in the common carotid artery (CCA). We evaluated the long-term efficacy of magnesium alloy covered stents in a lateral aneurysm model in rabbit CCA. Magnesium alloy covered stents (group A, n = 7) or Willis covered stents (group B, n = 5) were inserted in 12 New Zealand White rabbits and they were followed up for 12 months. The long-term feasibility for aneurysm occlusion was studied through angiograms; the changes in vessel area and lumen area were assessed with IVUS. Complete aneurysmal occlusion was achieved in all aneurysms. Angiography showed that the diameter of the stented CCA in group A at 6 and 12 months was significantly greater than the diameter immediately after stent placement. On intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examination, the mean lumen area of the stented CCA in group A was significantly greater at 6 and 12 months than that immediately after stent placement; the mean lumen area was also significantly greater in group A than in group B at the same time points. The magnesium alloy covered stents proved to be an effective approach for occlusion of lateral aneurysm in the rabbit CCA; it provides distinct advantages that are comparable to that obtained with the Willis covered stent.

Effect of a Novel Stent on Re-Endothelialization, Platelet Adhesion, and Neointimal Formation.

Vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin) is specifically expressed by outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs). Zwitterionic stent showed high antifouling and excellent blood compatibility. Therefore, we hypothesized that anti-VE-cadherin antibody-coated zwitterionic stents (VE-cad-Z stents) would promote re-endothelialization, reduce neointimal formation, and resist thrombus. VE-cad-Z stents were examined using platelet adhesion test, platelet activation, and OEC capture ability in vitro. In vivo effect of VE-cad-Z stents on re-endothelialization, thrombus-resistance, and neointima hyperplasia was investigated in left common carotid arteries of rabbits (n=15). In vitro, VE-cad-Z stents showed better platelet-resistance and OEC-capture ability (DNA concentration: 297.23±22.71 versus 67.49±15.26 ng/µL, P＜0.01). In vivo, VE-cad-Z stents exhibited better patency rate than bare metal stents (BMS) (15/15 versus 12/15), and it significantly reduced platelet adhesion and neointima formation (neointima area: 1.13±0.05 versus 1.00±0.05mm(2), P＜0.01 and 3.04±0.11versus 1.05±0.06mm(2), P＜0.01, at 3 and 30 days, respectively; % stenosis: 20.99±0.98 versus 18.72±0.97, P＜0.01 and 56.46±2.20 versus 19.45±1.24, P＜0.01, at 3 and 30 days, respectively). These data suggested that VE-cad-Z stents could specifically capture OECs, consequently promote endothelial healing, and also reduce platelet adhesion and neointima formation.