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Cardiovascular Research 1998 37(1):247-253; doi:10.1016/S0008-6363(97)00225-3
© 1998 by European Society of Cardiology
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Copyright © 1998, European Society of Cardiology

Structure and reactivity of small arteries in aging

Pierre Moreau1, Livius V d'Uscio and Thomas F Lüscher*

Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
Institute of Physiology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland

* Corresponding author. Tel. (+41-1) 255 2121 or 2177; Fax (+41-1) 255 4251; E-mail: 100771.1237@compuserve.com

Objective: Increased pulse pressure has been observed in aging subjects, but the impact on the structure and reactivity of small arteries has been scarcely evaluated. Methods: This study presents the modifications of vascular structure and function observed in female rats of 5, 18 and 32 months of age, and their relation to the prevailing hemodynamic status. Geometry and reactivity of perfused and pressurized basilar and mesenteric small arteries were analyzed in vitro using a video dimension analyzer. Results: Mean arterial pressure was similar in the three age groups, and only pulse pressure was increased in the oldest group. Media thickness and cross sectional area increased in basilar and mesenteric arteries of the oldest rats and these structural abnormalities were positively related to pulse pressure but not to mean, systolic or diastolic arterial pressure. Only minor changes of vascular reactivity were noted with age: there was a decreased contraction to angiotensin II in mesenteric arteries and an enhanced contraction to endothelin-1 in the basilar arteries. Conclusion: In conclusion, aging is associated with increased pulse pressure and hypertrophy of basilar and mesenteric resistance arteries, suggesting that this hemodynamic variable may influence cerebral and peripheral vascular structure in aging.

KEYWORDS Aging; Basilar artery; Mesenteric artery; Vascular remodeling; Pulse pressure; Rat

1 Present affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.


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