A comparative analysis of the glycosaminoglycan distribution in arteries and veins of humans, rats and dogs was realized. The results showed that the glycosaminoglycan distribution of the arteries was similar to that of venous tissues, where dermatan sulfate was the main glycosaminoglycan found. However, the proportion of dermatan sulfate is significantly greater in venous than in arterial tissues, in the three species. The total amount of the glycosaminoglycans was significantly higher in arteries than in veins, and the highest contents were found in the aortas. These increases may be associated with structural differences of the wall of these two types of blood vessels walls. The blood pressure is significantly lower in venous tissues and veins may exhibit less compressibility than arterial. These findings open perspectives for a better understanding of biochemical changes that could be related to the progressive degenerative vascular process, especially in the structural changes that saphenous veins undergo, when used as grafts in myocardial revascularization.
Glicosaminoglycans; Arteries; Veins
