Micro-CT evaluation of high pressure-decellularized cardiovascular tissues transplanted in rat subcutaneous accelerated-calcification model

We have succeeded in reducing the calcification of acellular aortas or valves in porcine allogeneic system by removing the DNA and phospholipids, but its further reduction is desirable. Here, the calcification of the acellular tissue was evaluated in rat subcutaneous transplantation model which is known as calcification model. Acellular samples prepared by high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) protocols with different washing media were implanted and the calcification was monitored under micro-computed tomography for 1 and 3 months. The amount of the calcium deposition was quantitatively evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. A cell culture medium showed very good cell removal ability but led to severe calcification at 1 month, and surprisingly the calcium deposition increased as the washing period increased. This calcification was suppressed by removing the DNA fraction with high DNase concentration. On the other hand, the calcification was greatly reduced when washed with saline even at low DNase concentration after 2 weeks washing. These results suggest that the ion species in the washing medium and the residual DNase cooperatively affect the tendency of in vivo calcification, which led us to the possibility of reduced calcification of acellular cardiac tissues.