OBJECTIVETo observe the influence of copper-bearing stainless steel on adhesion, proliferation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cell (VEC). METHODS; The samples of two kinds of materials were inoculated with VEC and incubated for 1, 2 and 3 d. After stained by acridine orange, the cells adhered on the surface of samples were observed under a fluorescent microscope. The proliferation of VEC was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) test. Next, leaching liquor of these two kinds of materials was prepared and used to culture VEC. The apoptosis of VEC was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTSFluorescent microscope showed VEC spread into fusiform shape, copper-bearing stainless steel surfaces had a significantly higher number of adherent VEC than 316L stainless steel at 1 and 2 d (P < 0.05). No significant difference of adherent VEC was observed between two kinds of materials at 3 d (P > 0.05). MTT results indicated that the optical density (OD) value of copper-bearing stainless steel were higher than that of 316L stainless steel at 1 and 2 d (P < 0.05). No significant difference of OD value was observed between two kinds of materials at 3 d (P > 0.05). The early apoptosis ratio of 316L stainless steel was higher than copper-bearing stainless steel (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCopper-bearing stainless steel could promote the adhesion, proliferation of VEC, and inhibit the early apoptosis ratio of VEC.