Connective tissue changes in autogenous vein graft used as a mesocaval shunt.

Autogenous jugular vein was used as a mesocaval shunt in dogs with ligated portal vein. Nine out of fifteen animals survived the operation and could be used for further studies one month postoperatively. Immediately after the shunt procedure an increased portosystemic pressure gradient was observed. However, this returned to normal at one month after the operation. At this time the graft was patient in seven out of nine dogs. Histological studies of the graft showed a smooth neointima and an increased number of elastin fibers in the media. The collagen concentration of the vein wall was significantly reduced and the glucosaminoglycans were significantly increased. It was however, not possible to assess the relative role of the operative trauma and the new haemodynamic and anatomical environment.