McGregor C G, Bradley J F, McGee J O, Wheatley D J
Cardiovasc Res. 1976 May;10(3):389-93. doi: 10.1093/cvr/10.3.389.
Viability of canine heart valve leaflet fibroblasts was assessed after varying periods of sterilization and storage in antibiotic-nutrient solution. Tissue culture and assessment of protein and collagen synthesis showed that tissue obtained under optimal conditions rarely retains viability beyond 3 weeks in antibiotic-nutrient solution and is severely impaired after 2 weeks. This casts serious doubts on viability in current clinical homograft valve practice.