LOCAL DELIVERY OF 17 - BETA ESTRADIOL DURING BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY FOR PREVENTING RESTENOSIS

摘要

The endothelium plays a major role in the regulation of structural and functional integrity of coronary arteries. Damage to endothelium occurs following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Locally delivered 17 - beta estradiol following PTCA in pigs resulted in an enhanced reendothelialization and endothelial function, possibly via a markedly higher endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression when compared to controls. Since endothelial dysfunction can promote both restenosis and coronary spasm, local 17 - beta estradiol delivery is a promising new approach to improve the results after PTCA.