Functional alterations of endothelial cells cultured in vitro in contact with biomaterials

By Cenni, E. - Ciapetti, G. - Stea, S. - Di Leo, A. - Cavedagna, D. - Pizzoferrato, A.

In order to evaluate in vitro the suitability of various prosthetic materials for endothelial seeding, human endothelial cells derived from the umbilical vein were placed in direct contact with a variety of polymers. As a control, endothelial cells were cultured in the absence of material. After 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, the cells were counted and a viability test with neutral red was performed. Assays of 6-keto prostaglandin F(1 alpha) (6-keto PGF(1 alpha)), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) were carried out on the supernatants. The cell counting technique demonstrated growth inhibition in the cell populations in contact with Woven Dacron and Double Velour Dacron in comparison with control cell cultures. Vital staining with neutral red, always sharply positive in the controls, was weak in the cells placed in contact with the materials. The 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) concentration in the supernatant was similar to the control level in the populations in contact with Woven Dacron and Double Velour Dacron. The tPA synthesis was higher in the cells exposed to the assayed materials compared to control values, while the PAI-1 concentration in the supernatant was lower in the cultures in contact with all materials.