ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Arsenic trioxide is considered to inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cel s and promote cel apoptosis. Therefore, we wondered whether the arsenic can inhibit the hyperplasia of vascular smooth muscle cel s, an arsenic-coated stent can be compatible with the vascular tissue, and a better vascular intimal coverage as early as possible can reduce intimal hyperplasia. OBJECTIVE:To observe the vascular histocompatibility of the arsenic-coated stent. METHODS:Fourteen white rabbits were randomized into two groups and respectively subject to the implantation of arsenic-coated 316 L stainless steel stents and bare 316 L stainless steel stents into the abdominal aorta. After 28 days, the distal and proximal parts of the vessel at the implantation site were ligated and the ligated vessel was taken for hematoxylin-eosin staining and light microscope observation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Gross observation:the vessel at the stent site was a little larger than the adjacent vessels in the outer diameter, which was expanded but had no visible thrombus. After cutting the stent, the neointima formed smoothly on the stent surface. (2) Light microscope observation:the stent was located in the middle of the vessel, the medial smooth muscle was pressed, and vascular intimal smooth muscle hyperplasia was found around the stent, thereby thickening the vascular intima. The vascular neointima formed and covered the stent, and there was a thin black layer between the stent and the vascular tissue, which consisted of arsenic and its compounds. These findings suggest that the arsenic-coated stents can be covered with vascular tissues, possessing good vascular histocompatibility.