Metabolism of prostaglandins in human saphenous vein.

The described methodology allows for analysis of metabolism of the prostaglandin PGH2 in subcellular fractions (microsomes) obtained from human saphenous veins. Prostacyclin (PGI2) synthetase as identified by its stable breakdown product 6-keto-PGF1a is present in human saphenous vein. Thromboxane A2 is absent. The enzymatic formation of PGE2 was demonstrated by the addition of glutathione (GSH) indicating the presence of an active PGE2 isomerase. The data suggest that the enzymatic endoperoxide-metabolizing pathways in human saphenous vein microsomes are prostacyclin synthetase and prostaglandin E isomerase. It is suggested that the ability of the vein graft to produce prostacyclin and PGE2 may contribute to short- and long-term graft patency.