Structural and electrophysiological changes in atherosclerotic radial artery grafts account for impairment of vessel reactivity

To evaluate the potential impact of using atherosclerotic radial artery (RA) conduits as grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery, we examined the vasoconstrictor and electrophysiological properties of mildly and severely atherosclerotic RAs. Vasoconstrictor responses were measured in cannulated and pressurized (85mmHg) RA segments and K(+) currents were measured in single smooth muscle cells. In the cannulated and pressurized vessel …