Mouse mesothelium has been examined as a surface for supporting blood flow. We have
examined ten pieces of intact mesothelium and ten pieces of damaged mesothelium following
10 min exposure to flowing blood in a Baumgartner chamber. Scanning electron microscopy
of the intact specimens demonstrated no adhering blood platelets, whereas the damaged
specimens were found to be covered with large numbers of adhering platelets. In addition
we have demonstrated that undamaged mesothelium does not appear to be morphologically
altered after exposure to blood, and that undamaged mesothelium produces significantly
more prostacyclin than damaged control. These findings suggest that mesothelial cells
hold promise as a lining for prosthetic vascular implants.
Key Words
Mesothelium - Prostacyclin - Scanning electron microscopy - Platelets - Artificial
circulation - Vascular prosthesis