Structural and functional aspects of the human saphenous vein used as aorto-coronary graft in myocardial revascularization

MILESI VERONICA; REBOLLEDO ALEJANDRO; GOMEZ ALVIS ALICIA; SANZ NORA; TOMMASI JUAN; DRAGO A; RAINGO JESICA; RINALDI GUSTAVO; GRASSI DE GENDE ANGELA

MEDICINA (BUENOS AIRES)

MEDICINA (BUENOS AIRES)

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2001 vol. 61 p. 481 - 490

0025-7680

The human saphenous vein (HSV) is currently used as a graft in coronary revascularization as well as in some other vascular beds, namely those of the inferior limbs. Since a significant proportion of HSV grafts develop stenosis, many studies have focused on the factors that could promote graft failure. This article reviews the results on structural and functional features that might be concurrent in the production of saphenous vein graft stenosis. The reactivity of HSV to several physiological agonists is analyzed, including those derived from the endothelium with contractile or relaxing properties, since these are relevant inducers of graft spasm and/or modifiers of the expression of graft factors involved in either tissue growth or thrombotic-atherosclerotic processes. Mechanisms that regulate vascular smooth muscle contractile state, in particular the activity of K+ channels of the plasma membrane, are described.