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STUDY: MULTIPLE PROTEINS STICK TO DEVICES

October 6, 2005

The blood protein serum amyloid P plays a key role in the body's rejection of devices, a recent study found.

Using a technique called proteomics, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis identified many of the blood proteins that stick to the surfaces of devices, eventually causing the body to reject the implants. Proteomics involves using advanced protein separations and mass spectrometry to track the proteins on the surfaces of various polymers used in devices.

The researchers found that leukocytes -- white blood cells -- adhered to amyloid P after it absorbed to the surface of devices. Leukocyte adhesion and activation on biomaterials is an important part of the body's response to devices.