Objective: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: 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.