Arterial endothelial changes after ischemia and perfusion.

The effects of six hours of ischemia and six hours of perfusion with 10 per cent dextrose and water solution, Sacks' solution and Intralipid on the endothelium of common femoral arteries in dogs were examined by light and by scanning electron microscopy and compared with normal arteries. Arteries that were ischemic or perfused with 10 per cent dextrose and water solution or Sacks' solution showed a flattening of the normal linear convolutions and extensive crater formation, with fragmentation and even complete loss of endothelial cells in many areas. The more severe changes occurred in perfused vessels. Fibrin and platelets covered the luminal surface in many areas in which there was extensive injury to the endothelium. Light microscopy revealed thickening of the internal elastic membrane and intimal fibrosis. Results of biopsies performed two weeks after perfusion showed slight, although incomplete, improvement in the structure of the endothelium. Arteries perfused with Intralipid had thickening of the intima with a proliferation of plump cells orientd linearly over the surface but with an absence of craters. Results of present studies confirm the observations of other investigators that injury to endothelial cells may be produced by ischemia and that perfusion with various solutions may produce an even more severe alteration in structure of the endothelial cell which does not return to normal within two weeks. The origin of new endothelial cells is not demonstrated by this study.