Effectiveness of Anti-Calcification Technologies in a Rabbit Model

A kinetic profile revealing calcification progression is a powerful method for assessing the anti-calcification efficacy of various tissue treatments compared to the traditional analysis of a single time point in studies with rabbits.

Tissue calcification was compared between test and control discs in rabbits. Test groups received either ThermaFix-processed bovine pericardium, or porcine leaflets processed with Linx, or alpha-amino oleic acid (AOA). Control groups received glutaraldehyde-treated porcine valve leaflets, and bovine pericardium. Tissue discs were implanted intramuscularly in rabbits and explanted every five days until day 75. Levels of calcium and phosphorus were then monitored in the rabbit tissues.

Calcium concentrations were plotted over time, with a sigmoidal curve being used for each kinetic profile. The ThermaFix group exhibited a lower calcium plateau level compared to the bovine control (107 ± 24 versus 258 ± 120 μg Ca2+ per mg dry tissue, respectively), while the Linx group exhibited a lower calcium plateau compared to porcine controls (130 ± 34 μg versus 280 ± 80 μg Ca2+ per mg dry tissue, respectively). The AOA group showed a low level of calcification through 40 days, but this was subsequently increased to a plateau of 258 ± 135 μg Ca2+ per mg dry tissue.

The study results showed that effects on the rate and level of calcification of anti-calcification technologies can be modulated. In particular, time is important when assessing tissue technology effectiveness.