Spontaneous rhythmic contractions of human saphenous veins isolated from old subjects are sensitive to cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

Spontaneous rhythmic contractions were observed in some preparations of human isolated saphenous veins from old (greater than 60 years) subjects. These contractions were insensitive to adrenergic and histaminergic blockers, but were abolished by the cyclooxygenase inhibitors, aspirin and indomethacin, indicating the participation of endogenous eicosanoids.