This study evaluated the endothelial function and mechanical properties of tissue-engineered vascular
autografts (TEVAs) constructed with autologous mononuclear bone marrow cells (MN-BMCs) and a
biodegradable scaffold using a canine inferior vena cava (IVC) model.
MN-BMCs were obtained from a dog and seeded onto a biodegradable tubular scaffold consisting of
polyglycolide fiber and poly(L-lactide-co-∊-caprolactone) sponge. This scaffold was implanted in the IVC
of the same dog on the day of surgery. TEVAs were analyzed biochemically, biomechanically, and
histologically after implantation. When TEVAs were explanted and stimulated with acetylcholine at 1
month, they produced nitrates and nitrites dose dependently. NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester significantly
inhibited these reactions. With stimulation by acetylcholine, factor VIII–positive cells of TEVAs
produced endothelial nitric oxide synthase proteins, and the ratio of endothelial nitric oxide
synthase/s17 mRNA was similar among native IVC and TEVAs 1 and 3 months after implantation.
TEVAs had biochemical properties and wall thickness similar to those of native IVC at 6 months after
implantation, and tolerated venous pressure well without any problems such as calcification. The number
of inflammatory cells in TEVAs and the ratio of CD4/s17 mRNA decreased significantly with time. These
results indicate that TEVAs are a biocompatible material with functional endothelial cells and biomechanical
properties and do not have unwanted side effects.
