OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a possible synergic effect of the most promising anti-calcifying agents investigated in literature by sequential treatment. METHOD: Glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium was treated by: heating to 50ºC, 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: Ca2+ levels were (in µg/mg): control - 194.45; heating at 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 the treatments employed. CONCLUSION: Sequential treatment was effective to inhibit calcification and the tissue showed an adequate mechanical structure for the manufacture of bioprosthesis.
Bioprosthesis; Glutaral; Calcinosis
