Wolfgang Fraefel

Effect of a hexosylceramide fraction of the hemodialysate solcoseryl on wound-healing angiogenesis

Rabbit ear chambers were used to investigate the effects of a locally applied hexosylceramide fraction (Hex-Cer) of the hemodialysate Solcoseryl on wound-healing angiogenesis. The transparent methacrylate ear chambers were inserted under full aseptic precautions. Immediately after implantation the chambers in control rabbits were filled with physiological saline while the chambers in experimental rabbits were injected with a solution containing either 0.3 or 2.5 micrograms/ml of Hex-Cer, respectively. On the second postoperative day the chambers were reinjected with the corresponding solutions. Thereafter the chambers were examined three times weekly. The onset and rate of the neovascular response were measured by using a standard dissecting microscope equipped with a camera. Vessel growth in ear chambers treated with Hex-Cer at the lower concentration showed very little difference from that seen in control chambers; in both groups the first appearance of new capillaries occurred on an average of 18 days after implantation, and the chambers became fully filled with vessels by the 30th day. However, in chambers treated with Hex-Cer at the higher concentration, the first invasion of capillaries was detected 3 days earlier than in controls (P less than 0.05). Correspondingly, in the chambers treated with Hex-Cer complete vascularization was achieved 7 days earlier than in the control chambers (P less than 0.01). It is concluded that locally applied Hex-Cer exerted an accelerating effect on wound-healing angiogenesis.

Application of a vascular graft material (Solcograft®-P) in experimental surgery

The implantation and post-implantation behaviour of a Solcograft-P vascular prosthesis in the aortic, aorto-iliac, carotid and vena caval positions in dogs was studied up to 100 d post-surgery in order to assess the suitability of this vascular material for use in man. Solcograft-P is prepared from the carotid arteries of calves by crosslinking the collagen stroma using adipyl dichloride. During the postoperative follow-up period of 3 month, 100% of the aortal grafts, 80% of the aorto-iliac bypasses, 60% of the vena caval grafts and 35% of the carotid implants remained patent. The biochemical properties of the Solcograft-P are better than those of Solcograft, its predecessor. The intimal lining was consistently smooth and homogeneous in grafts of biological origin, and no aneurysm was observed. Infection and early thrombosis occured no more frequently than with other grafts. The new Solcograft-P, crosslinked via ester and amide groups, seems to represent a real improvement over Solcograft. Our results suggest that Solcograft-P should prove valuable in various cases of reconstructive vascular surgery of the lower limb, especially when the autologous vena saphena magna is not available, and its mechanical properties may well prove suitable for both arterial and venous replacement.