ADHESIVE PROTEIN EXPRESSION ON HUMAN ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS AFTER IN-VITROCONTACT WITH WOVEN DACRON

In this research adhesive proteins are studied in order to evaluate th e interference of woven Dacron in the endothelialization process and i n the ability of endothelial cells to bind circulating leucocytes. End othelial cells from human umbilical vein (HUVEC) were put in contact w ith woven Dacron for 24 h. PECAM-1, ELAM-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressi on was then evaluated by flow cytometry, using indirect immunofluoresc ence reaction with monoclonal antibodies. The study of adhesive protei ns was completed with the quantitative determination of surface antige ns expressed as the antibody binding capacity (ABC). Antigenic density was calculated by the DAKO QFIT calibration system for indirect immun ofluorescence. After contact with woven Dacron no significant change w as observed in the percentage of positive cells or in the fluorescence intensity of the adhesins. No significant variation was also noted by calculating the surface antigen density by means of calibration fluor ospheres. It can be concluded that the material examined does not sign ificantly affect leucocyte adhesion to the endothelium. (C) 1998 Publi shed by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.