Gal knockout pig pericardium: new source of material for heart valve bioprostheses
N Lila, CGA McGregor, S Carpentier, J Rancic… - The Journal of heart and …, 2010 - Elsevier
BACKGROUND: Although glutaraldehyde fixation is known to reduce immunogenicity and
degeneration of heart valve bioprostheses, some degree of immunogenicity persists, which
may trigger calcification. The aims of this study were to:(1) define the role of alpha-1, 3-
galactosyltransferase (α-Gal) antigen in valve calcification by comparing α-Gal–positive and
α-Gal–deficient (GT-KO) pig pericardium; and (2) elucidate the role of human anti-Gal
antibodies in the process of calcification and to determine the potential influence of different …
degeneration of heart valve bioprostheses, some degree of immunogenicity persists, which
may trigger calcification. The aims of this study were to:(1) define the role of alpha-1, 3-
galactosyltransferase (α-Gal) antigen in valve calcification by comparing α-Gal–positive and
α-Gal–deficient (GT-KO) pig pericardium; and (2) elucidate the role of human anti-Gal
antibodies in the process of calcification and to determine the potential influence of different …