Inhibitory effect of three anti-platelet therapy strategies on neointimal hyperplasia in rabbits after autologous vein graft

Objective To construct the autologous vein graft model of rabbits and compare the inhibitory effect of three anti-platelet therapy strategies on neointimal hyperplasia in rabbits after autologous vein graft. Methods Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into aspirin group,clopidogrel group,aspirin plus clopidogrel group,and control group,8 rabbits in each group.After an animal model was established,the rabbits were fed for 6 months.Samples were collected and examined under microscope.Areas of new intima and media were calculated.Expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected with immunohistochemistry.Proliferation index of cells was counted. Results The thickness between new intima and media,ratio of areas,proliferation index of cells,and positive Bcl-2 expression were not statistical different between clopidogrel and aspirin plus clopidogrel groups,and were lower than those in control and aspirin groups.No statistical difference was found in expression of Bax protein among the 4 groups. Conclusion Clopidogrel can effectively inhibit the proliferation of vein smooth muscle cells and intima,clopidogrel plus aspirin does not increase the inhibitory effect on neointimal hyperplasia,and aspirin alone has no inhibitory effect on neointimal hyperplasia,in rabbits after autologous vein graft.