LOCAL-CONTROL OF VEINS - BIOMECHANICAL, METABOLIC, AND HUMORAL ASPECTS

The incidence of vein diseases (varicosity, thrombophlebitis, phlebosc lerosis, orthostatic intolerance) is extremely high. In several countr ies it may exceed that of the arterial pathology by an order of magnit ude. Ln the last decades, this recognition and the rapid accumulation of experimental data have resulted in a progressive reevaluation of th e physiological significance of the venous system, which had been rath er neglected earlier by scientists. The major aim of this review is to provide a critical survey of recent selected Literature related to di fferent physiological functions of the venous system as well as to bio mechanical, metabolic, and humoral (ionic, hormonal) aspects of the lo cal venous control. Local neural control mechanisms, including effects of catecholamines and other transmitters, are regarded to be beyond t he scope of this work. At present, the synthesis of information availa ble in the Literature meets certain difficulties, because occasionally poorly defined methodological techniques and physiological parameters have been applied. On the other hand, a significant part of works dea ling with venous physiology is excellent and inspirational. We have go od reason to believe that the fast accumulation of reliable scientific data on this very important field will soon reach a new critical leve l, then an even more effective integration of knowledge will be possib le.