Optimizing recellularization of whole decellularized heart extracellular matrix.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Perfusion decellularization of cadaveric hearts removes cells and generates a cell-free extracellular matrix scaffold containing acellular vascular conduits, which are theoretically sufficient to perfuse and support tissue-engineered heart constructs. However, after transplantation, these acellular vascular conduits clot, even with anti-coagulation. Here, our objective was to create a less thrombogenic scaffold and improve recellularized-left ventricular contractility by re-lining vascular conduits of a decellularized rat heart with rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs).

Methods and results

We used three strategies to recellularize perfusion-decellularized rat heart vasculature with RAECs: retrograde aortic infusion, brachiocephalic artery (BA) infusion, or a combin

SUBMITTER: Robertson MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3937369 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature