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Updated: May 12, 2026
Decellularization and Recellularization Methodology for Human Saphenous Veins
Published on: July 27, 2018
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor minimizes negative remodeling of decellularized small diameter vascular graft
Joonkyu Kang1, Byoung Wook Lee, Jang Han Kim
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, and Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Poor endothelialization and intimal hyperplasia are major causes of small diameter vascular conduit (SDVC) failure. The present study was aimed to investigate the influence of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on inhibiting adverse remodeling of decellularized SDVCs.
Methods:
Sprague-Dawley rats implanted with allograft infra renal abdominal aortic conduits were divided into 2 groups according to whether they were treated with G-CSF (+G-CSF group; n=6) or without (Decell group; n=6). The conduits were harvested at 8 weeks after surgery and examined for intimal hyperplasia, collagen deposition, and -actin-staining cells. The medial layer was also examined for signs of cellular repopulation and changes in the elastic fiber morphology.
Results:
Intergroup comparison of the intimal composition showed relatively sparse collagen content and predominance of -actin-staining cells in the +G-CSF group. The medial layer in the 2 groups showed similar degrees of elastic fiber degeneration and wall thinning relative to the normal aortic wall. However, the enhanced staining for von Willebrand factor and CD31, along with transmission electron microscopy findings of superior cellular and ultrastructural preservation, suggested that the remodeling and endothelialization in the +G-CSF conduits were superior to those in the Decell conduits.
Conclusions:
This study suggests that G-CSF exerts a positive influence on inhibiting adverse vascular remodeling of decellularized vascular conduit implants. However, whether G-CSF administration may also effectuate an improved ability to preserve the medial structural integrity is unclear.
