European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery; February 1996, Vol. 11 Issue: 2 p127-133, 7p
Objectives:: The aim of this study was to investigate the secretion of prostacyclin (PGI"2), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI- 1) produced by human great saphenous vein endothelial cells (HSVECs) in vitro when seeded to confluency on different matrices. Methods:: The matrices compared were: uncoated plastic, gelatin, collagen type-I gel, fibronectin, fibrin glue, deendothelialised porcine aorta and ePTFE vascular grafts pre-coated with collagen type-I or human serum. Results:: There were no significant differences between basal production of PGI"2 on the different matrices. The HSVECs responded with a significant increase in PGI"2 secretion after stimulation with thrombin on all matrices, including the ePTFE grafts. A statistically significant higher secretion of tPA secretion was found in supernatants from cells cultured on collagen type-I gel. Interestingly, tPA secretion was lower by cells seeded on both collagen type-I and serum precoated ePTFE as compared to collagen type-1 gel. PAI-1 secretion however was significantly higher on collagen type-1 gel, gelatin, fibrin glue and porcine aorta but not on pre-coated ePTFE grafts. Conclusions:: The findings emphasise the important effect of the matrix on endothelial secretion of PGI"2, tPA and PAI-1. Differences in patency after implantation of in vitro endothelialised grafts, may be due to cellular function depending on the types of graft and matrix chosen.