Abstract
In the present study, biocompatibility of native, acellular, 1,4-butanediol diglycidylether and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl carbodiimide (EDC) cross-linked acellular aortic grafts was evaluated following subcutaneous implantation in guinea pigs. Biocompatibility was evaluated based on macroscopic, histopathological observations and immune responses elicited by the implanted grafts. Results showed that macroscopically, no abnormal cellular reaction was observed at the host-graft junction in any of the implanted animals. Histopathological observations revealed that the inflammatory response was mild during first 15 days post-implantation and increased at 30 days post-implantation in acellular and cross-linked tissues. By day 60, marked ingrowth of host tissue was observed in EDC cross-linked acellular aortic grafts. ELISA and lymphocyte proliferation assay revealed that animals implanted with EDC grafts showed least immune response when compared to others. Therefore, it was concluded that EDC cross-linked acellular aortic grafts were more compatible and had better handling qualities than the other cross-linked grafts.