Characterization of Host Cellular Response to Bioprostheses in Rat Subdermal Implant Calcification Model

摘要

Previously undemonstrated pervasive cellular infiltration of the implant material was present during the transient inflammation response (Day 1 - 7) with the persistence of intense chronic inflammation through Day 30. Additionally, calcification was observed in the medial part of the implant and radiated outward. Ongoing work involves inhibiting cellular activity, specifically macrophages, and observing the corresponding calcification response as well as looking at the protein expression and host cellular phenotypes within the implant to discern the mechanisms of the calcification. The rat model will be compared to failed GLUT sheep valve explants as well as failed human valves to see if studies hold true across species. Understanding the mechanisms of calcification process and its underlying factors will not only lead to more focused calcification mitigation in heart valve material design but better validation testing for cardiovascular biomaterials.