Enhanced Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vascular Relaxation in Radial Artery Compared With Internal Mammary Artery or Saphenous Vein

Abstract

These data indicate that. NO-dependent relaxation of radial artery is greater than that of internal mammary artery or saphenous vein. This difference is related to endothelial production of.NO and/or vessel sensitivity to. NO. Such favorable physiological characteristics of radial artery could conceivably contribute to improved long-term patency of this conduit compared with saphenous vein.