Experimental studies on reconstruction of peripheral arteries by high voltage cathode ray irradiated allografts

The use of cathode ray irradiated arterial allografts on the reconstruction of small peripheral arteries is described. The fate of irradiated arterial allografts implanted subcutaneously in rats was compared histologically with that of allografts which were fresh, frozen or stored in 70% alcohol. Follow-up studies were made of 10 dogs in which irradiated arterial allografts had been implanted in the femoral artery to be evaluated; long term patency by arteriography, gross and histologic changes of the implanted allografts, and the luminal surface of the implanted allografts by scanning electron microscopic studies. For the purpose of antigenic studies, extracts of canine arteries which had been irradiated, frozen or stored in 70% alcohol, were prepared and tested by the following immunological methods: precipitation, Ouchterlony gel diffusion, and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. From the results obtained in these experiments, it was concluded that, compared with fresh or frozen grafts and those stored in 70% alcohol, irradiated arterial allografts are the most suitable substitute for the reconstruction of small arteries because of the paucity of morphological damage and inflammatory reaction. The excellent and long term patency of the canine femoral artery implanted with irradiated arterial allografts was proved. On the basis of immunological studies, it is evident that cathode ray irradiation to the arterial allografts can greatly reduce their antigenicity. (Evans, J.)