Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the effects of nerve innervation on the expression of Ki67 and α-SM-actin in new formed collaterl vessel.　Methods　Both left and right femoral arteries of ten rabbits were ligated seperately. For the right side, additional sciatic and femoral nerves incision were followed. All animals survived about 7 days. The expression of Ki67 and α-SM-actin was detected by confocal immunofluorescence with special antibodies against Ki67 and α-SM-actin.　Results　In normal small arteries，the expression of Ki67 was absent，while α-SM-actin evenly expressed in SMC；For the left side specimens，ki67 positive cells significantly increased and distributed in all layers of the vascular wall. α-SM-actin expressed in the neointima, however, the expression was more weak compared to that in the media；For right side(ligation plus dennervation), Ki67 positive staining was rarely found，occasionaly in endothelial cells, as well α-SM-actin expressed weakly. Statistic analysis showed the significant difference of ki67 and α-SM-actin expression in collateral vessels between simply ligated-side and femoral artery ligation plus dennervation side (P＜0.05). Conclusions　 This data suggests that the nerves of the vascular wall involve in mediating expression of Ki67 and α-SM-actin during the growth of the collaterl vessel. 

Key words: Collaterl vessel, Innervation, Cell proliferation, α-smooth muscle-actin