Use of myxalin for improving vascular graft healing: evaluation of biocompatibility in rats

Myxalin is a glycopeptide extracted recently from a gram-negative bacterium. It has blood anticoagulant properties and can enhance endothelial cell growth. With the ultimate objective of using this bioactive molecule to promote vascular graft healing, this study assessed its biocompatibility in vivo by comparing the cellular and immunological responses of gelatin-coated knitted polyester grafts with and without myxalin following implantation in the peritoneal cavity of rats for prescheduled periods of 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks. A nongelatin-coated virgin polyester graft was included as the reference material. The biological response to gelatin alone was characterized by a slower rate of cellular infiltration into the implant, reduced collagen synthesis, and higher levels of acid phosphatase and esterase activity in the surrounding tissue. The addition of myxalin to this coating resulted in a significant reduction of hydrolase secretion in the tissue surrounding the implant and an enhancement of cellular ingrowth.