Faculty Collaboration Database

Cigarette smoke impairs endothelium-dependent relaxation in rabbit superficial femoral veins. J Surg Res 1999 Jan;81(1):77-80

Date

01/16/1999

Pubmed ID

9889062

DOI

10.1006/jsre.1998.5440

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0032853447   14 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of autogenous vein for arterial reconstruction provides the optimal conduit for limb salvage. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for vascular disease and may adversely affect graft patency and limb preservation rates of extremities reconstructed with autogenous vein. This study was performed in order to determine the effects of cigarette smoke on venous endothelium-dependent relaxation which is mediated by nitric oxide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits were exposed to cigarette smoke in a 240-ft3 air-flow chamber for 3 h per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. A control group was treated similarly without infusion of smoke into the chamber. Elevated serum cotinine and carboxyhemoglobin levels comparable to those of chronic smokers were observed in the experimental group. After 8 weeks, the superficial femoral veins were explanted, cut into 3-mm segments, and studied in organ chambers.

RESULTS: No difference in contractile response to KCl (80 mM) (control, 0.10 +/- 0.06; smoke, 0.17 +/- 0.04) or norepinephrine (EC50) (control, 0.78 +/- 0.18; smoke, 0.87 +/- 0.11) was seen. A significant decrease in relaxation was noted with all doses of acetylcholine (M) (control, 10(-8) - 50.35 +/- 8.37, 3 x 10(-8) - 71.20 +/- 9.05, 10(-7) - 88.32 +/- 13.72, 3 x 10(-7) - 92. 86 +/- 13.69; and smoke, 10(-8) - 8.25 +/- 1.83*, 3 x 10(-8) - 19.11 +/- 5.11*, 10(-7) - 31.84 +/- 7.90*, 3 x 10(-7) - 39.74 +/- 8.65*; *P < 0.05). Both control and smoke veins relaxed completely with sodium nitroprusside.

CONCLUSIONS: Superficial femoral veins, when exposed to cigarette smoke, demonstrated a significant decrease in endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine without smooth muscle injury. This loss of vasomotor tone could be detrimental over time in veins which have been placed as arterial conduits.

Author List

Freischlag JA, Johnson D, Farooq MM, Doty J, Cambria RA, Seabrook GR, Towne JB

Author

Gary R. Seabrook MD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acetylcholine
Animals
Endothelium, Vascular
Femoral Vein
Male
Muscle Relaxation
Nitroprusside
Norepinephrine
Plants, Toxic
Potassium Chloride
Rabbits
Risk Factors
Smoke
Tobacco