Fibronectin/fibrinogen/tropoelastin on a Stent to Promote CD34+cell Growth Does Not Reduce Neointima Formation

Aim: The capture of endothelial progenitor cells by an immobilized CD34 antibody on the stent struts has been shown to initiate re-endothelialization. We attempted to optimize the CD34 antibody coating by combining it with proteins to facilitate optimal endothelial cell growth, while limiting smooth muscle cell outgrowth. Materials & methods: Stents were coated with a combination of fibronectin, fibrinogen and tropoelastin, with or without the anti-CD34 antibody. The stents were implanted in rabbit iliac arteries for 7 and 28 days. Results: Stent endothelialization after 7 days showed no difference. Neointima formation was significantly reduced after 28 days in stents with the CD34 antibody. The presence of the different protein coatings did not affect intimal hyperplasia. Conclusion: These results indicate that the presence of additional coimmobilized proteins next to the anti-CD34 antibody improve neither re-endothelialization nor neointima formation.