Antigenicity of polyester (Dacron) vascular prostheses in an animal model.

Objectives to investigate the specific humoral immune response to three different polyester (Dacron) prostheses in pigs. Design, materials and methods twenty-four growing pigs were randomly divided into three groups. The infrarenal aorta was replaced by a segment of collagen-impregnated woven polyester prosthesis (low, medium and high porosity). Serum antibodies were detected by modified enzyme immunoassay using non-impregnated prosthesis as the target for the blood samples taken on experimental days 1, 10, 17, 24, 62 and 116 of the 22 pigs followed over the whole observation period. Results significantly enhanced (p <0.05) mean IgG antibody binding against polyester was detected on experimental days 10, 17, 24 and 62 with antibody prevalences of 41%, 41%, 32% and 37%, respectively. Antibody positive pigs were divided into early responders (n =9) and late responders ( n =5) with antibody detection on day 10 and/or 17 vs day 62 and/or 116. No significant differences between the three different prostheses were found. The formation of specific IgG antibodies against polyester in the animals investigated demonstrates a broad individual variability. Conclusions polyester is an antigenic polymer. Specific antibodies, reflecting the inflammatory response, might be not only a parameter for testing biomaterials but also for determining individual bio(in)compatibility for long-term biomaterial function. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Limited.