Adenovirus mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene transfer prevents restenosis of vein grafts.

The possibility of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene transfer, which prevents restenosis of vein grafts, was explored in 16 goats. The recombinant adenoviral vector coding endothelial nitric oxide synthase (AdCMVeNOS) and adenoviral vector (AdCMV) were constructed. A total of 6 cm jugular vein was removed, cut into two equal lengths for vein grafts, and infected with AdCMVeNOS or AdCMV in vitro. One segment (2 cm) of each carotid artery was removed. The vein graft that had been infected with AdCMVeNOS was anastomosed to the right carotid artery, and the vein graft that had been infected with AdCMV was anastomosed to the left. The functional expression of eNOS in vein grafts was assessed by the immunohistochemical staining and measurement of NO concentration. The inhibition of intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts was evaluated by the assay of 3H-TDR incorporation, histologic analysis, measurement of intimal thickness, and percent area stenosis. Adenovirus mediated eNOS gene transfer to goat vein grafts resulted in functional transgene expression with increased NO release. Increased local NO production could inhibit intimal hyperplasia and increase the patent rate of vein grafts.