Expression of p27~(kip1) gene in autogenous vein grafts in rats

Objective:To investigate the relationship between p27kip1 mRNA and protein expression and intimal hyperplasia in rat vein grafts.Methods:Autogenous vein graft model was established in 120 Wistar rats by transplanting internal jugular vein to carotid artery.The grafted veins were harvested 1,2,3,7,14,and 28 days after the operation,respectively.Intimal hyperplasia was observed after Verhoeff staining.The expressions of p27kip1 mRNA and protein were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,in situ hybridization,and Western blotting.The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) was detected by SABC method.Results:The intimal thickness significantly increased on day 7 and reached the peak on day 14.The expression of p27kip1 protein was found in normal carotid veins;in grafted veins,it significantly increased on day 7 and reached the peak on day 28.The expression of p27kip1 mRNA significantly increased on day 7 and remained high until day 28,and no difference was found among different time points.The expression of PCNA reached the peak from day 7 to day 14.Conclusion:The expression of p27kip1 may be a new target for the gene therapy of intimal hyperplasia and stenosis after vein graft.