Release of chemotactic factors by veins during preparation for arterial bypass

S. T. Ruby, M. E. Allam, M. A. Gallo, S. Barth and S. A. Elgebaly
Department of Surgery, Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032.

With the use of arterial bypass release neutrophil chemotactic factors, saphenous veins were removed from dogs by means of standard surgical technique and were distended to a pressure of 200 mm Hg for 15 minutes with cold (4 degrees C) plasmalyte solution. Veins cannulated in situ and flushed with cold (4 degrees C) plasmalyte solution served as negative controls. Experimental and control flush solutions were assayed for the presence of neutrophil chemotactic factors with the use of modified Boyden chambers. Chemotactic activity from the distended vein grafts was 2.2 to 7.2 times the control value. Biologic chemotactic activity was demonstrated as well. These results suggest a role for the vein graft itself in the recruitment of neutrophils to implanted veins by releasing chemoattractants.