[Current aspects in the endothelialization of artificial prostheses (experimental studies in rats)]

The interaction between the blood and the inner prosthetic wall after grafting with the autoalloplastic SPARKS prostheses was examined by light and electron microscopy as well as by autoradiography. The results indicate that intercellular bridges are missing, and therefore that those cells that line the inner surface of the prosthesis are no real endothelial cells, as observed with the electron microscope. The authoradiographic findings demonstrate that blood monocytes definitely contribute to the construction of the new inner surface. We showed that although there is a possibility of transformation, the results is not a real endothelial cell, as shown by electron microscope. Nevertheless this cell apparently can fulfil its function.