title: High pressure-low flow remodeling of the rat saphenous vein wall.
abstract: Objective To better understand factors that may play a role in the development of varicosities. Methods We induced combined flow-pressure disturbance in the saphenous system of the rat by performing chronic partial clipping of the main branch. Biomechanical and quantitative histological testing was undertaken. Results A rich microvenous network developed. Bloodflow decreased to 0.65 ± 0.18 µl/s (control side, 3.5 ± 1.4 µl/s) and pressure elevated to 6.8 ± 0.7 mmHg (control side, 2.3 ± 0.2 mmHg, p < 0.05). Involution of the wall and lumen was observed (16.5%, 28.7% and 35.5% reduction in outer diameter, wall thickness and wall mass respectively, p < 0.05). Elevated macrophage (CD68) and cell division (Ki67) activity was observed. Elastic tissue and smooth muscle actin became less concentrated in the inner medial layers. Conclusions Low-flow induced morphological shrinking of the lumen in veins may override pressure-induced morphological distension. Loosening of the force-bearing elements during flow-induced wall remodeling may be an important pathological component in varicosity.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Orthopedics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Judit R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hetthéssy
authors.affiliation: 2 Molecular Oncology Research Group, 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Anna-Mária
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Tőkés
authors.affiliation: 3 Institute of Human Physiology and Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Sándor
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kérész
authors.affiliation: 3 Institute of Human Physiology and Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Balla
authors.affiliation: 4 Faculty of Medicine, Department of Morphology and Physiology of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dörnyei
authors.affiliation: 3 Institute of Human Physiology and Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Emil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Monos
authors.affiliation: 5 Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: György L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Nádasy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / Q000378:metabolism; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000473:pathology*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011312:Pressure; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000473:pathology*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000473:pathology*; D066253:Vascular Remodeling; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; C539355:CD68 protein, rat; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
keywords: Saphenous vein; microcirculatory changes; varicose veins; venous disease