The aim of this study was to compare the behaviour of mesothelial cells (MC) to that of endothelial cells (EC) when seeded onto a PTFE prosthesis coated with a fibroblastic matrix.Three study groups were examined: a control group (Control) of PTFE prostheses with a fibroblast matrix (n = 8); Group EC, PTFE prostheses seeded with EC on a fibroblastic matrix (n = 8); and Group MC, PTFE prostheses seeded with MC on a fibroblastic matrix (n = 8). All cell types were labelled with 111 In (100 μCi/ml) 24 h after seeding, when the cells had formed a monolayer on the prosthetic surface. Radioactive levels were measured at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h.Both EC and MC showed optimal adherence. The MC had a better radioactive uptake and retention than the EC. The number of EC and MC cells that remained adherent to the matrix was large enough to ensure complete covering of the prosthetic surface.The use of MC is therefore feasible as an optimal alternative for achieving a natural covering on vascular prostheses prepared with a fibroblastic matrix.