Comparative analysis of microvascular integration of porous polyethylene implants in ovo and in vivo

Background:

Three-dimensional scaffolds made from porous polyethylene (PPE) are used for the reconstruction of bone and cartilaginous tissue.

We analyzed the microvascular integration of porous polyethylene scaffolds in the dorsal skinfold chamber (DSC) of mice in vivo as well as the CAM assay (chorioalantoid membrane assay) in ovo. Our goal was to identify the suitability of each model for the identification of microvascular changes after implantation.

Methods:

DSC of n = 6 C57Bl/6J mice as well as chorioalantoid membranes of n = 6 chicken eggs were monitored with intravital fluorescence microscopy after implantation of a PPE scaffold.

Vessel density as well as vessel diameters and the number of vessel sprouts were analyzed over a time period of seven days.

Results:

Both models allow a longitudinal analysis of microvascular changes after implantation of the polyethylene scaffolds with fluorescence microscopy and are well suited to monitor the microvascular changes surrounding the implanted biomaterial.

Due to structural differences in the microarchitecture of the vascular system a direct comparison is difficult even though both models allow reproducible analysis of microvascular alterations.

The relatively consistent background fluorescence is beneficial when analyzing vessel spouts in the microvascular system in the DSC. On the other hand vessel length and density seem to be more consistent which might make the Cam assay the favorable model when analyzing these parameters.

Conclusions:

Both models are well suited for longitudinal analysis of microvascular changes after implantation of biomaterial.

The individual study goals determine which model should be used for specific analysis.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)