Comparison of storage solutions on saphenous vein endothelial function using immunofluorescence. A pilot study

Background Our aim was to establish which of the current and novel storage fluids caused the least harm to the endothelium of the saphenous vein. Methods Unmanipulated samples of saphenous vein were obtained. This vein was exposed to four fluids, DuraGraft ® , Plasma-Lyte, autologous blood and sodium chloride, and a control medium. The expression of endothelial selectin (E-selectin) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was measured using confocal microscopy. Results We identified and quantified platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecules, vascular cell adhesion molecules and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 on the endothelium. The results were widely variable. The protein expression of endothelial selectin ( p = .17) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 ( p = .73) showed no statistically significant differences in levels of preservation when the different solutions were compared. Conclusions In this study, we could not determine that any of the solutions were superior at preserving saphenous vein endothelium.