Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genetic transfection on the intimal hyperplasia of venous autografts. MethodsThe external jugular veins were autografted into abdominal aorta arteries in 20 Wistar rats, which were divided evenly into experimental or control groups. The transplanted veins of experimental group were immersed in the adenovirus-mediated eNOS gene solution for 15 minutes just before anastomosis. The transplanted vascular samples were taken out 2 weeks after operation. The intimal thickness(IH), degree of restenosis(DR), expression of PCNA and NOS mRNA were determined with histology and transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ResultsThe IH, DR and PCNA decreased, while the expression of eNOS mRNA increased comparing with control group(P<0.01). ConclusionTransfection of NOS gene can inhibit the intimal hyperplasia of venous autografts.

Key words: nitric oxide synthase (NOS), restenosis, vascular grafts, gene therapy