Changes of vascular endothelium in function and morphology after adventitial injury

AIM To explore the role of vascular endothelial injury in the intimal lesion caused by adventitial injury. METHODS Models of New Zealand rabbits with vascular adventitial injury were established by collogenase digestion and mechanical dissection. HE staining was used to detect the morphological changes in vessels after adventitial injury. Endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation function was detected with Medlab-U/4C501 biological signal collection and analysis system. Morphological changes in endothelial cells were observed under electron microscope and real-time PCR were used to determine the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1（MCP-1) mRNA. RESULTS Compared with that in control vessels, the endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation function was failing and endothelial cell injuries were found 3 days after injury. Expression of MCP-1 mRNA increased 3 days after injury and intimal hyperplasia was observed 7 days after injury. CONCLUSION Vascular adventitial injury may cause vascular endothelial injury and then lead to intimal lesion.