Scanning electron microscopic analysis of endothelial cell coverage and quality in large vessels from multi‐organ donors: effects of preservation on endothelial cell integrity

Abstract

Endothelial cell integrity (coverage and quality) of large donor vessels is important because these vessels are used for vascular reconstructions in solid-organ transplantation. Disruption of the endothelial cell monolayer will initiate blood coagulation and may lead to thrombosis of large vessels, often resulting in the loss of the transplanted organ. Iliac arteries and veins, removed from 10 heart-beating multi-organ donors at the end of the donor procedure, were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy at three different time points of preservation. Endothelial cell coverage and quality were determined immediately after removal from the donor, after 10 h (time of transplantation) and 7 d storage in 'University of Wisconsin' cold preservation solution (UW). Endothelial cell coverage decreased during the preservation of arteries, but was maintained in veins. Storage of the veins for 7 d in plastic bags showed a decreased endothelial cell coverage compared to storage in glass vials. Early removal of the blood vessels and proper storage, free floating and in clean UW, may improve maintenance of the endothelial cell integrity. These findings may be important in order to reduce the risk of thrombosis and, consequently, organ failure after transplantation. Furthermore, vessels with maintained endothelial cell integrity after 7 d may be used for in vitro research.

Improvement of the cold storage of blood vessels with a vascular preservation solution. Study in porcine aortic segments

“…Cold storage of vascular endothelial cells has been shown to induce increased adhesion of platelets, 36 and storage of vessels has been shown to disrupt the endothelial monolayer. 37,38 Both might lead to thrombosis and graft occlusion, which could result in the loss of the organ/tissue supplied by the grafted vessel. 39,40 In solution 8 with 0.1 mmol/L deferoxamine ϩ 20 mol/L LK 614, the platelet adherence was significantly reduced compared with HTK solution, indicating lower thrombogenicity.…”

Comparison of Preserved Vascular Allografts Using Glycerol and University of Wisconsin Solution in a Goat Carotid Artery Transplantation Model

“…In the current study this monolayer was present in the control carotid arteries and could also be demonstrated in the AU grafts. Flat endothelial cells with a smooth surface and without pores and microvilli are criteria for cells in the normal condition [36]. Endothelial cells were flattened in the GL allografts too, comparable with the endothelial cells in the AU.…”

One-Step Method for Endothelial Cell Isolation from Large Human Blood Vessels Using Fibrin Glue

“…Before isolation of EC, a tissue sample of 100 mm 2 was removed for scanning electron microscopy, showing varying EC-coverage and quality as described previously (van Leeuwen et al, 2000). Multiplication of the total intimal surface and the percentage of surface covered with EC resulted in the actual EC-surface available for isolation (Table 1).…”