Histological structure affects recellularization of decellularized arteries

•Decellularized arteries were useful as biomaterials with various ECM ratios.•The histological structure was involved in recellularizing decellularized arteries.•More infiltrated cells were detected in radial arteries compared with aortas.

Decellularized arteries were prepared to evaluate the in vivo recellularization of biological material after implantation. Porcine aortas and radial arteries were decellularized using high-hydrostatic pressure to form materials with histologically-different structures. Successful removal of cells from decellularized arteries was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and measurement of residual DNA. Cell remnants were eliminated completely from the decellularized arteries, and histological structures were preserved. Cells adhered to all decellularized artery samples, but infiltration of cells was observed only from the adventitial side of the decellularized radial artery. Rats were implanted subcutaneously with a decellularized aorta or radial artery to evaluate in vivo performance. Decellularized aortic tissue prevented cell infiltration better than that of the decellularized radial artery, suggesting that the elastin lamina in decellularized tissues prevents cell infiltration and suppresses recellularization.