Endothelium-derived relaxing factor and vein grafts

Platelet thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia and progression of atherosclerosis are the most important factors determining the patency of vein grafts for arterial occlusive disease. Interactions between aggregating platelets and the vessel wall play an important role in all of these processes. Recently, it has become evident that the endothelium modulates the underlying vascular smooth muscle by releasing an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, a potent vasodilator and anti-aggregating substance. Little information is available, however, on such endothelial functions of autogenous vein grafts. This review focuses on vascular modulation by endothelium-derived relaxing factor in vein grafts.