Morphologic change in rabbit femoral arteries induced by storage at four degrees Celsius and by subsequent reperfusion

Purpose: Cold-stored arteries function well as microvascular autografts, but little is known of the morphologic changes that occur in them during cold storage or of further changes during reperfusion. Methods: In part A of the study, rabbit femoral arteries were stored at 4 degrees C for up to 6 months. In part B rabbit femoral arteries were stored at 4 degrees C for up to 6 months, inserted as end-to-end autografts into contralateral femoral arteries, and reperfused for 24 hours. Tissue was examined by histologic study, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, histochemical study, immunohistochemical study, and tissue culture. Results: Cell viability declined gradually at 4 degrees C, so that by 4 weeks no viable cells remained. However, the extracellular framework and elastic lamellae remain intact. If cold-stored arteries are reinserted as autografts for 24 hours, this accelerates breakdown of necrotic cells and reduces the thickness of the medial wall and internal elastic lamina but does not alter the extracellular framework. Conclusions: Cold storage results in acellular vascular grafts with intact extracellular frameworks. After 24 hours reperfusion there is no major change to the extracellular framework.