ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the feasibility of reendothelialization of the injured arterial wall by autologous endothelial cell transplantation and their influences on neointima proliferation. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits (n=30) were subjected to bilateral iliofemoral artery balloon injury. Cultured, autologous venous endothelial cells were immediately transplanted into one vessel(transplantation group), whereas the contralateral artery received medium only(control group). Reendothelialization of the injured arterial wall was analysed 4 hours or 4 days after cell transplantation by fluorescent tracing、scanning electron microscope(SEM) and Evans blue staining. Pathology analysis was employed 28 days after cell transplantation to evaluate neointima proliferation. RESULTS: The transplanted endothelial cells had adhered into the aterial wall 4 hours after transplantation and began to attach and spread 4 days later. A number of fluorescent labeling endothelial cells were observed in the endothelial injured arterial wall. The vessels in control group were stained nearly completely by Evans blue, whereas about 60% area was not stained in transplantation group. Pathological examination demostrated that neointimal area and maximal intima thickness in transplantation group significant decreased than those in control. CONCLUSION: Autologus endothelial cells were effectively transplanted into the injured arterial wall by balloon catheter, and it can relieve neointima proliferation in the long time.