Anti-calcifying treatment of glutaraldehyde fixed bovine pericardium

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a possible synergic effect of the most promising anti-calcifying agents investigated in the literature by sequential treatment. Method: Glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium was treated by: heating to 50º C, 80% ether, 0.125% chitosan, heparin, NaBH4 and 4% formaldehyde. Samples were evaluated by optic microscopy, shrinking and mechanical tests and implanted subcutaneously in rats. Four months later the samples were explanted and Ca2+ levels measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The Ca2+ levels were (in µg/mg): control: 194.45; heating to 50ºC: 6.87; ether: 3.69; chitosan: 68.89; heparin: 6.81; formaldehyde: 107.34; sequential treatment: 0.17. The mechanical characteristics changed according to treatments employed. Conclusion: Sequential treatment was effective to inhibit calcification and the tissue showed an adequate mechanical structure for the manufacture of bioprosthesis.