Expression of transfected endothelial nitric oxide synthase transfer on carotid vein graft in rabbits

AIM: To study the expression of adenoviral-mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (AdCMVeNOS) on carotid vein graft in rabbits and to find the way to prevent vein graft restenosis. METHODS: External jugular vein-common carotid artery bypass graft model was established. Eighteen rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: Control group (A), simple adenovirus infection group (B) and eNOS gene transfection group (C). After four weeks, the expression of exogenous eNOS mRNA and protein was detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry respectively. The proliferation of intima and media in vein graft was measured by computer graph-analyzing system. RESULTS: The expressions of exogenous eNOS mRNA and protein were detected in vein graft. There was no obvious difference in the thickness of intima and media between control group and simple adenoviral infection group. Compared with that in control group, the thickness of intima and media in eNOS gene transfection group decreased by 42.3% and 13.5% respectively. The ratio of the thickness of intima to media (I/M ) decreased by 34.6%. CONCLUSION: The transfected eNOS gene can be expressed on carotid vein graft in rabbits. eNOS gene has some protective effect on vein graft restenosis.