A free radical scavenger (Tempol) and its effect on intimal hyperplasia of vein grafts in rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reversed vein grafting exposes the vessel to a period of ischemia, reperfusion and subsequent reactive oxygen species, which may damage endothelial tissue, smooth muscle cell proliferation and later the development of intimal hyperplasia. Tempol is a free radical scavenger that permeates biological membranes. This study investigates the effects of a free radical scavenger (Tempol) on intimal hyperplasia of femoral vein grafts and the level of reactive oxygen species in rats.