In vitro differences between venous and arterial-derived smooth muscle cells: potential modulatory role of decorin

Objective : We analyzed the phenotypic and functional differences between venous and arterial smooth muscle cells (SMC) and the role of decorin in modulating these differences. Methods and results : SMC were isolated from the jugular veins and carotid arteries of male white New Zealand rabbits. Venous SMC demonstrated increased proliferation (2-fold, p