[Relationship between PDGF-A, bFGF and proliferation of smooth muscle cells in vein grafts]

To detect the relationship between platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and proliferation of smooth muscle cells in vein grafts.

An animal model of autogenous vein graft was established by transplanting internal branch of the jugular vein to the common iliac artery by end-to-end anastomosis. 25 rats were used. The grafted veins were harvested at 6 h, 2 d, 1 w, 2 w and 4 w respectively after the operation. The expression of PDGF-A and bFGF in different stages after grafting procedure was observed immunohistochemically.

The expression of PDGF-A peaked at 1 w, paralleled with proliferation of SMC, and was significantly higher than that at 6 h (P < 0.01). The expression of PDGF-A diminished gradually. At 4 w, it was significantly lower than that at 1 w (P < 0.01). bFGF demonstrated bimodal pattern of the expression: the first peak of expression occurred by 2 d and the second peak by 2 w. The difference was significantly compared with other stages.

The expression of PDGF-A 1 contributed to migration and proliferation of SMC. Except for contributing to proliferation of SMC, bFGF perhaps took part in endothelization.