Effect of pentosan polysulphate on endothelial regeneration

Endothelium was removed from rabbit aortae using a balloon catheter and the endothelial outgrowth was measured. In the controls, after initial regrowth of approximately 4 weeks, endothelial regeneration stopped before cellular regrowth was complete. However, when treated with daily subcutaneous injections of pentosan polysulphate (PPS) (8 mg/kg/day), endothelium fully repopulated the denuded areas 16 weeks after beginning of the treatment. These results illustrate the possibility of using pentosan polysulphate in the prevention of atherogenesis, by enhancing endothelial regeneration.