Metabolism of prostaglandins in human saphenous vein

The described methodology allows for analysis of metabolism of the prostaglandin PGH₂ in subcellular fractions (microsomes) obtained from human saphenous veins. Prostacyclin (PGI₂) synthetase as identified by its stable breakdown product 6-keto-PGF_1a is present in human saphenous vein. Thromboxane A₂ is absent. The enzymatic formation of PGE₂ was demonstrated by the addition of glutathione (GSH) indicating the presence of an active PGE₂ isomerase. The data suggest that the enzymatic endoperoxide-metabolizing pathways in human saphenous vein microsomes are prostacyclin synthetase and prostaglandin E isomerase. It is suggested that the ability of the vein graft to produce prostacyclin and PGE₂ may contribute to short- and long-term graft patency.