ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS OF IMPLANTED VEINS TO NEOVASCULARIZE FREE MUSCLE GRAFTS IN A RAT MODEL

In 78 male Wistar rats, the gracilis anterior muscles were devasculari zed and transplanted into the femoral region. In one experimental grou p, the muscles were transplanted with their innervation intact, in a s econd group denervated muscles were transplanted. The ipsilateral saph enous artery and vein were dissected out of their adventitia and impla nted axially into the muscle graft. The entire transplant was encased in silicone foil in order to prevent neovascularization and reinnervat ion emanating from the host area. Neovascularization of the ischaemic innervated and denervated muscle grafts, containing approximately 300 muscle fibers, followed in a centrifugal pattern. The newly formed sin usoidal capillary network originated from the vein. Within the first f our days, endothelial cells of the implanted vein had loosened their i ntercellular contacts, proliferated and migrated through the vascular wall into the muscle graft. The initially solid capillary sprouts open ed up, starting at the lumen of the vein. Within two weeks a complete endomysial capillary network was reestablished. Possible and conceivab le clinical uses of these findings are discussed.