OBJECTIVE: To observe the architecture of elastic fiber of anastomosed artery. METHODS: The right femoral arteries of 60 Wistar rats were cut off transversely and end-to-end anastomosis were performed. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, 30th and 90th days after operation, the anastomosed artery segments were harvested and fixed by 10% formalin. After routine processed, the architecture of elastic fiber of anastomosed artery was observed under scanning electronic microscope and was compared with that of normal artery. RESULTS: On the 3rd and 7th days after anastomosis, there was no the elastic fiber in the middle of the anastomosed area. From 14 to 90 days after anastomosis, the newborn elastic fiber connected the anastomosed area. The reconstruction of elastic fiber could be divided into quiescent stage, proliferation stage, and rebuilding stage. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of elastic fiber occurs after arterious anastomosis and newborn elastic fiber originates from endoarterious layer. The structure of elastic fiber can return to normal 30 days after anastomosis.
