[The role of pro-UK gene in protecting vein graft from thrombosis]

To study the role of Pro-UK gene in protecting vein graft from thrombosis.

42 Wister rats underwent implantation of reversed autologous jugular vein interposition grafts in the common carotid artery. Jugular veins were exercised and distended with solution containing either Adv5-CMV(control group) or Adv5-CMV/Pro-UK(treatment group) for 30 minutes, then the jugular veins were reversed and interposed into the divided carotid arteries. Proximal and distal anastomoses were performed in an end to end fashion with interrupted 11-0 polypropylene sutures. 14 days after surgery, the vein graft of two groups were explanted to examine the presence of Pro-UK gene expression. The amount of 51 Cr-labeled platelet of the two groups was counted 24 hours postoperatively. Segment of grafts of both group was explanted 14 days after surgery for histologic analysis.

Pro-UK activity was not detected in the vein graft of the control group. In the treatment group, the amount of Pro-UK gene express was 308 IU/g tissue. The amount of 51Cr-labeled platelet of the two groups was (123.7 +/- 19.4) x 10(6)/gdrywt. (34.4 +/- 5.3) x 10(6)/gdrywt. The amount of the control group was prominent over the treatment group(P < 0.01). On the 14th day after surgery, the thrombosis rate and occlusion rate of the vein graft in the control group were 30%, 10% respectively. In the treatment group, all vein grafts were patent and free of thrombosis.

Mediated by adenoviral vector after direct gene transfer into vein graft, Pro-UK gene expression could protect graft from thrombosis. Therefore, this method could effectively enhance venous graft patency.