Effect of hyperlipemia on endothelial function and histomorphology of venous conduit in rabbits before grafting

Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the effect of hyperlipemia on endothelial function and histomorphology of venous conduit in rabbits before grafting. Methods: Fifty adult male rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups: one group was fed with normal diet (control group, n=25) and the other with high cholesterol diet (hyperlipemia group, n=25). The blood samples and cervical vein specimens were barvested before and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after feeding. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were determined. The expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein, the production of NO, and the histopathological changes (including the thickness of intima and media, the diameters of the veins, and the presence of lipid or plaque) in the vein specimens were examined. Results: Eight weeks after feeding, the serum levels of TC, LDL, TG, and HDL in hyperlipemia group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P