This study evaluates the supersaturated salt solution (1,5g of commercial salt for 1m<IMG SRC="http:/img/fbpe/cr/v32n6/12733s3.gif"> of tridestilled water) as a tissue preserver. Canine pericardium stored in this medium was implanted in defects made in the rectus abdominis muscle of 24 Wistar rats. Previously the implantation, analysis of the solution was performed and no bacteria or fungi were found. Surgical procedure: a 1,5cm of the right rectus abdominis muscle length was removed, and the defect was covered with the pericardium graft, which was sutured in the muscle borders with a 6-0 monofilamentar nylon using a simple continuous pattern. The rats were subdivided in six similar groups (I, II, III, IV, V, VI), and were euthanized in days 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 30 post-operative, respectively. Gross and histological examination showed neovascularization in the surgical site, and it was gradually decreasing. The pericardium was progressively being substituted by fibrous conjunctive tissue, without graft elimination or contamination. Supersaturated salt solution therefore offers an adequate storage system to the canine pericardium.
tissue preservation; supersaturated salt solution; alograft
