Immediate and long-term evolution of the blood-venous graft interface. Experimental study in dogs.
Endothelial damage and repair in autogenous saphenous vein grafts was evaluated serially from 30 s to 9 months after implantation into the femoral arteries of 25 dogs. Light and scanning electron microscopy, quantitative morphometry and cytochemistry with specific rabbit antidog factor VIII-related antigen were used. These studies demonstrate: (1) early complete endothelial cell desquamation both on the venous graft and adjacent artery apparently related to dissection and suture; (2) differing early platelet activation on the venous and adjacent arterial wall, platelet aggregates were noted on the adjacent artery, whereas only adhesive platelets are noted on the exposed vein graft; (3) endothelial reconstitution being initiated after 10-15 days but not reaching completion even 9 months after implantation; (4) a mediointimal proliferation which is a constant feature. A unique cell possessing both fibroblastic and myocytic characteristics takes part in the process.
D000818:Animals; D001769:Blood; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004285:Dogs; D004727:Endothelium / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013997:Time Factors; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation* / Q000648:ultrastructure