Hyaluronan Export through Plasma Membranes Depends on Concurrent K+ Efflux by Kir Channels

Hyaluronan is synthesized within the cytoplasm and exported into the extracellular matrix through the cell membrane of fibroblasts by the MRP5 transporter. In order to meet the law of electroneutrality, a cation is required to neutralize the emerging negative hyaluronan charges. As we previously observed an inhibiting of hyaluronan export by inhibitors of K+ channels, hyaluronan export was now analysed by simultaneously measuring membrane potential in the presence of drugs. This was done by both hyaluronan import into inside-out vesicles and by inhibition with antisense siRNA. Hyaluronan export from fibroblast was particularly inhibited by glibenclamide, ropivacain and BaCl2 which all belong to ATP-sensitive inwardly-rectifying Kir channel inhibitors. Import of hyaluronan into vesicles was activated by 150 mM KCl and this activation was abolished by ATP. siRNA for the K+ channels Kir3.4 and Kir6.2 inhibited hyaluronan export. Collectively, these results indicated that hyaluronan export depends on concurrent K+ efflux

Treatment of aortic graft infection by in situ reconstruction with Omniflow II biosynthetic prosthesis

Currently available conduits for in situ reconstruction after excision of infected aortic grafts have significant limitations. The Omniflow II vascular prosthesis is a biosynthetic graft associated with a low incidence of infection that has succesfully been used in the treatment of infected infrainguinal bypass. We report on the first use of the Omniflow II prosthesis for in situ reconstruction after aortic graft infection. A bifurcated biosynthetic bypass was created by spatulating and anastomosing two 8-mm tubular Omniflow II grafts. This bypass was used for in situ reconstruction after excision of infected aortic grafts in three cases. After a mean follow-up of 2.2 years, no occlusion, degeneration, or rupture of the Omniflow II grafts was observed. Although one patient suffered from graft reinfection, the bypass retained structural integrity and no anastomotic dehiscence was observed. Treatment of aortic graft infection by in situ reconstruction with the Omniflow II vascular prosthesis is feasible. Its resistance to infection and off-the-shelf availability make this graft a promising conduit for aortoiliac reconstruction

Treatment of aortic graft infection by in situ reconstruction with Omniflow II biosynthetic prosthesis

Currently available conduits for in situ reconstruction after excision of infected aortic grafts have significant limitations. The Omniflow II vascular prosthesis is a biosynthetic graft associated with a low incidence of infection that has succesfully been used in the treatment of infected infrainguinal bypass. We report on the first use of the Omniflow II prosthesis for in situ reconstruction after aortic graft infection. A bifurcated biosynthetic bypass was created by spatulating and anastomosing two 8-mm tubular Omniflow II grafts. This bypass was used for in situ reconstruction after excision of infected aortic grafts in three cases. After a mean follow-up of 2.2 years, no occlusion, degeneration, or rupture of the Omniflow II grafts was observed. Although one patient suffered from graft reinfection, the bypass retained structural integrity and no anastomotic dehiscence was observed. Treatment of aortic graft infection by in situ reconstruction with the Omniflow II vascular prosthesis is feasible. Its resistance to infection and off-the-shelf availability make this graft a promising conduit for aortoiliac reconstruction