Pulsatile perfusion system for ex-vivo investigation of biochemical
pathways in intact vascular tissue.
Labadie, Robert F., James F. Antaki, Jeffrey L. Williams, Sanj Katyal,
John Ligush, Simon C. Watkins, Si M. Pham, Harvey S. Borovetz.
Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
15261
APStracts 2:0323H, 1995.
We have constructed and have performed initial validation of an
innovative perfusion system which allows exposure of intact segments
of vascular tissue to realistic physiologic and hemodynamic
environments, ex-vivo. Computer-controlled opening and closing of an
in-line gate valve allows generation of arterial pressure waveforms.
The control algorithm predicted resultant pressure waveforms with a
high degree of accuracy (Pearson correlation coefficient, r, >
0.97). To document vascular homeostasis ex-vivo, vasomotor bioassays
and morphologic studies were performed. The bioassays consisted of
injecting epinephrine [2 x 10-3 mg/ml] into the perfusion system
followed by acetylcholine [100 [mu]M] while concurrently measuring
vessel diameter with a laser micrometer; significant vasomotion was
measured for canine carotid arteries (n=4) bioassayed after 1, 24,
and 48 hours of perfusion (p<0.03). Additionally, human
saphenous vein segments were perfused for 24 hours (n=4) and viewed
with laser confocal scanning microscopy and transmission electron
microscopy; photomicrographs show typical vascular morphology. We
conclude that the vascular perfusion system described herein is well
suited for investigating the response of intact vascular tissue to
hemodynamic variables.
Received 25 July 1994; accepted in final form 24 July 1995.
APS Manuscript Number H651-4.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Heart Circ. Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1995 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 10 August 1995.