scholarly journals Quantifying Physical Thrombus Characteristics on Cardiovascular Biomaterials Using MicroCT

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avi Gupta ◽  
Claire M. Johnston ◽  
Monica T. Hinds ◽  
Deirdre E. J. Anderson

Hemocompatibility is a critical consideration when designing cardiovascular devices. Methods of assessing hemocompatibility range from in vitro protein adsorption and static platelet attachment to in vivo implantation. A standard preclinical assessment of biomaterial hemocompatibility is ex vivo quantification of thrombosis in a chronic arteriovenous shunt. This technique utilizes flowing blood and quantifies platelet accumulation and fibrin deposition. However, the physical parameters of the thrombus have remained unknown. This study presents the development of a novel method to quantify the 3D physical properties of the thrombus on different biomaterials: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and a preclinical hydrogel, poly(vinyl alcohol). Tubes of 4–5 mm inner diameter were exposed to non-anticoagulated blood flow for 1 hour and fixed. Due to differences in biomaterial water absorption properties, unique methods, requiring either the thrombus or the lumen to be radiopaque, were developed to quantify average thrombus volume within a graft. The samples were imaged using X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT). The methodologies were strongly and significantly correlated to caliper-measured graft dimensions (R2 = 0.994, p < 0.0001). The physical characteristics of the thrombi were well correlated to platelet and fibrin deposition. MicroCT scanning and advanced image analyses were successfully applied to quantitatively measure 3D physical parameters of thrombi on cardiovascular biomaterials under flow.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tino Vollmer ◽  
Börje Ljungberg ◽  
Vera Jankowski ◽  
Joachim Jankowski ◽  
Griet Glorieux ◽  
...  

Abstract Identifying the key toxic players within an in-vivo toxic syndrome is crucial to develop targeted therapies. Here, we established a novel method that characterizes the effect of single substances by means of an ex-vivo incubation set-up. We found that primary human spermatozoa elicit a distinct motile response on a (uremic) toxic milieu. Specifically, this approach describes the influence of a bulk toxic environment (uremia) as well as single substances (uremic toxins) by real-time analyzing motile cellular behavior. We established the human spermatozoa-based toxicity testing (HSTT) for detecting single substance-induced toxicity to be used as a screening tool to identify in-vivo toxins. Further, we propose an application of the HSTT as a method of clinical use to evaluate toxin-removing interventions (hemodialysis).


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 2181-2181
Author(s):  
Yukitaka Ito ◽  
Sou Nakamura ◽  
Tomohiro Shigemori ◽  
Naoshi Sugimoto ◽  
Yoshikazu Kato ◽  
...  

Abstract Each transfusion requires 200-300 billion platelets in patients with thrombocytopenia. To continuously supply such a huge number of platelets by ex vivo generation, two distinct steps, megakaryopoiesis and platelet shedding, must be both considered. For the former, one approach is to increase the number of source cell, megakaryocytes. For example, the immortalized megakaryocyte cell line (imMKCL) system uses self-renewing megakaryocyte (MK) cell lines derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) (Nakamura et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2014). For the latter, there have been an idea of bioreactors whereby shedding of platelets from proplatelets could be promoted by flow-dependent shear force within the bone marrow in vivo (Junt et al., Science, 2007; Zhang et al., J Exp Med, 2012). Based upon this idea, we constructed a flow chamber type bioreactor recapitulating in vivo blood flow shear rate. However, this bioreactor failed to efficiently yield platelets, and moreover, the produced platelets had poor quality as indicated by high Annexin V levels (Exp Hematol, 2011 and unpublished result). Recently, we demonstrated two different kinetics of platelet biogenesis from bone marrow MKs, whereby either thrombopoietin (TPO) mostly regulates steady-state shedding of platelets from proplatelets, or interleukin-a (IL-1a) triggers inflammation-dependent rupture of MK cytoplasm contributing to a quick increase of platelet count at higher rate (Nishimura et al., J Cell Biol, 2015). However, the rupture type platelets revealed shorter half-life with relatively higher Annexin V levels. Therefore, to gain insights from platelet biogenesis in vivo, we focused on biophysical analysis of steady-state platelet biogenesis via proplatelets in bone marrow. Our observations strongly indicated that the presence of 'vorticity' defined by vortex turbulence in addition to shear-dependent 'stress' and 'strain' correlates with the efficient shedding of competent platelets. From this new finding, we developed an alternative bioreactor system, which enabled generation of 100 billion platelets from imMKCL in a 16L-scale liquid culture condition without any adherent machinery using two 10L-bioreactors. Furthermore, platelets generated via new bioreactors showed low Annexin V levels (<10-15%) and shortened bleeding time post transfusion into NOG mice and rabbits with thrombocytopenia, comparable to human blood product platelets. Regarding the platelet production using WAVE bag system (GE healthcare, UK), the system is already clinically available for cord blood cell expansion in most countries, but lacks adequate levels of vorticity and shear strain/stress. Accordingly, the produced platelets had high Annexin V levels (i.e., 50-65%) as well as diminished yield efficiency (P<0.001). In conclusion, our study has uncovered the novel biophysical aspect of platelet biogenesis. The application of the new set of physical parameters in constructing large sized bioreactors shall facilitate the industrialization of platelet production. Disclosures Eto: Megakaryon Co. Ltd.: Research Funding.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 2013-2024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ain A Neuhaus ◽  
Yvonne Couch ◽  
Brad A Sutherland ◽  
Alastair M Buchan

Pericytes are contractile vascular mural cells overlying capillary endothelium, and they have been implicated in a variety of functions including regulation of cerebral blood flow. Recent work has suggested that both in vivo and ex vivo, ischaemia causes pericytes to constrict and die, which has implications for microvascular reperfusion. Assessing pericyte contractility in tissue slices and in vivo is technically challenging, while in vitro techniques remain unreliable. Here, we used isolated cultures of human brain vascular pericytes to examine their contractile potential in vitro using the iCelligence electrical impedance system. Contraction was induced using the vasoactive peptide endothelin-1, and relaxation was demonstrated using adenosine and sodium nitroprusside. Endothelin-1 treatment also resulted in increased proliferation, which we were able to monitor in the same cell population from which we recorded contractile responses. Finally, the observation of pericyte contraction in stroke was reproduced using chemical ischaemia, which caused a profound and irreversible contraction clearly preceding cell death. These data demonstrate that isolated pericytes retain a contractile phenotype in vitro, and that it is possible to quantify this contraction using real-time electrical impedance recordings, providing a significant new platform for assessing the effects of vasoactive and vasculoprotective compounds on pericyte contractility.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 474
Author(s):  
Sara Nageeb El-Helaly ◽  
Eman Abd-Elrasheed ◽  
Samar A. Salim ◽  
Rania H. Fahmy ◽  
Salwa Salah ◽  
...  

Green nanotechnology utilizes the principles of green chemistry to formulate eco-friendly nanocarrier systems to mitigate patients and environment hazards. Raloxifene (RLX) demonstrates poor aqueous solubility (BCS class II) and low bioavailability, only 2% (extensive first-pass metabolism). The aim of this study is to enhance RLX solubility and bioavailability via development of novel solid dispersed multilayered core-sheath RLX-loaded nanofibers (RLX-NFs) without the involvement of organic solvents. A modified emulsion electrospinning technique was developed. Electrospinning of an RLX-nanoemulsion (RLX-NE) with polymer solution (poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and chitosan (CS) in different volume ratios (1:9, 2:8, and 4:6) using D-optimal response surface methodology was adopted. In vitro characterization of RLX-loaded NFs was performed; scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal analysis, drug content, release studies, and bioadhesion potential. The optimum NFs formula was evaluated for morphology using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and ex vivo drug permeation. The superiority of E2 (comprising RLX-NE and PVA (2:8)) over other NF formulae was statistically observed with respect to Q60 (56.048%), Q240 (94.612%), fiber size (594.678 nm), mucoadhesion time 24 h, flux (5.51 µg/cm2/h), and enhancement ratio (2.12). RLX pharmacokinetics parameters were evaluated in rabbits following buccal application of NF formula E2, relative to RLX oral dispersion. E2 showed significantly higher Cmax (53.18 ± 4.56 ng/mL), and relative bioavailability (≈2.29-fold).


2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Serafini ◽  
Giuseppa Morabito

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to scavenge free radicals, modulating cellular redox transcription factors in different in vitro and ex vivo models. Dietary intervention studies have shown that consumption of plant foods modulates plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC), a biomarker of the endogenous antioxidant network, in human subjects. However, the identification of the molecules responsible for this effect are yet to be obtained and evidences of an antioxidant in vivo action of polyphenols are conflicting. There is a clear discrepancy between polyphenols (PP) concentration in body fluids and the extent of increase of plasma NEAC. The low degree of absorption and the extensive metabolism of PP within the body have raised questions about their contribution to the endogenous antioxidant network. This work will discuss the role of polyphenols from galenic preparation, food extracts, and selected dietary sources as modulators of plasma NEAC in humans.


1992 ◽  
Vol 68 (06) ◽  
pp. 687-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
P T Larsson ◽  
N H Wallén ◽  
A Martinsson ◽  
N Egberg ◽  
P Hjemdahl

SummaryThe significance of platelet β-adrenoceptors for platelet responses to adrenergic stimuli in vivo and in vitro was studied in healthy volunteers. Low dose infusion of the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline decreased platelet aggregability in vivo as measured by ex vivo filtragometry. Infusion of adrenaline, a mixed α- and β-adrenoceptor agonist, increased platelet aggregability in vivo markedly, as measured by ex vivo filtragometry and plasma β-thromboglobulin levels. Adrenaline levels were 3–4 nM in venous plasma during infusion. Both adrenaline and high dose isoprenaline elevated plasma von Willebrand factor antigen levels β-Blockade by propranolol did not alter our measures of platelet aggregability at rest or during adrenaline infusions, but inhibited adrenaline-induced increases in vWf:ag. In a model using filtragometry to assess platelet aggregability in whole blood in vitro, propranolol enhanced the proaggregatory actions of 5 nM, but not of 10 nM adrenaline. The present data suggest that β-adrenoceptor stimulation can inhibit platelet function in vivo but that effects of adrenaline at high physiological concentrations are dominated by an α-adrenoceptor mediated proaggregatory action.


1979 ◽  
Vol 41 (03) ◽  
pp. 465-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia R Stelzer ◽  
Thomas S Burns ◽  
Robert N Saunders

SummaryThe relationship between the effects of suloctidil in vivo as an antiplatelet agent and in vitro as a modifier of platelet serotonin (5-HT) parameters was investigated. Suloctidil was found to be effective in reducing platelet aggregates formation in the retired breeder rat as determined using the platelet aggregate ratio method (PAR) with an ED50 of 16.1 mg/kg 24 hours post administration. In contrast to the hypothesis that 5-HT depletion is involved in the anti-aggregatory mechanism of suloctidil, no correlation was found between platelet 5- HT content and this antiplatelet activity. Reduction of platelet 5-HT content required multiple injections of high doses (100 mg/kg/day) of suloctidil. Suloctidil administration for 8 days at 100 mg/kg/day, which lowered platelet 5-HT content by 50%, resulted in no permanent effect on ex vivo platelet 5-HT uptake or thrombin-induced release, nor alteration in the plasma 5-HT level. However, these platelets exhibited a short-lived, significant increase in percent leakage of 5-HT after 30 minutes of incubation. Therefore, suloctidil treatment at high doses may with time result in platelet 5-HT depletion, however this effect is probably not related to the primary anti-aggregatory activity of the drug.


1996 ◽  
Vol 75 (01) ◽  
pp. 118-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Abrahamsson ◽  
V Nerme ◽  
M Strömqvist ◽  
B Åkerblom ◽  
A Legnehed ◽  
...  

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the anti-thrombotic effects of an inhibitor of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in rats given endotoxin. In studies in vitro, PRAP-1, a Fab-fragment of a polyclonal antibody against human PAI-1, was shown to inhibit PAI-1 activity in rat plasma as well as to stimulate clot-lysis of the euglobulin fraction derived from rat plasma. Endotoxin administered to anaesthetised rats produced a marked increase in plasma PAI-1 activity. To study fibrin formation and lysis in vivo after intravenous (i. v.) injection of the coagulant enzyme batroxobin, 125I-fibrinogen was administered to the animals. The thrombi formed by batroxobin were rapidly lysed in control animals, while the rate of lysis was markedly attenuated in rats given endotoxin. PRAP-1 was administered i.v. (bolus + infusion) to rats given endotoxin and batroxobin and the PAI-1 inhibitor caused a dose-dependent decrease in the 125I-fibrin deposition in the lungs. An immunohistochemical technique was used to confirm this decrease in density of fibrin clots in the tissue. Furthermore, PRAP-1 decreased plasma PAI-1 activity in the rats and this reduction was correlated to the decrease in lung 125I-fibrin deposition at the corresponding time point. It is concluded that in this experimental model the PAI-1 antibody PRAP-1 may indeed inhibit thrombosis in animals exposed to endotoxin.


1977 ◽  
Vol 37 (01) ◽  
pp. 154-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A Janik ◽  
S. E Papaioannou

SummaryUrokinase, streptokinase, Brinase, trypsin, and SN 687, a bacterial exoprotease, have been evaluated in an ex vivo assay system. These enzymes were injected into rabbits and the fibrinolytic activity as well as other coagulation parameters were measured by in vitro techniques. Dose-response correlations have been made using the euglobulin lysis time as a measure of fibrinolytic activity and the 50% effective dose has been determined for each enzyme. Loading doses, equal to four times the 50% effective dose, were administered to monitor potential toxicity revealing that Brinase, trypsin, and SN 687 were very toxic at this concentration.Having established the 50% effective dose for each enzyme, further testing was conducted where relevant fibrinolytic and coagulation parameters were measured for up to two days following a 50% effective dose bolus injection of each enzyme. Our results have demonstrated that urokinase and streptokinase are plasminogen activators specifically activating the rabbit fibrinolytic system while Brinase, trypsin and SN 687 increase the general proteolytic activity in vivo.The advantages of this ex vivo assay system for evaluating relative fibrinolytic potencies and side effects for plasminogen activators and fibrinolytic proteases have been discussed.


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