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Maturation-dependent neointima formation in fowl aorta
1Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 894 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. nishimur@physio1.utmem.edu
Summary
High blood pressure (BP) in fowl is linked to neointimal plaque formation in the aorta. This study shows BP elevation and plaque development increase with age, particularly in males, suggesting a causal relationship.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Animal Physiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Fowl spontaneously develop elevated blood pressure (BP) and aortic neointimal plaques.
- The age-dependent progression of these vascular lesions and their link to BP remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize age-dependent neointimal plaque formation and vascular lesions in fowl.
- To investigate the relationship between elevated BP and neointima formation.
Main Methods:
- BP was measured in conscious domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) using an indwelling catheter.
- Neointimal plaque area and aortic smooth muscle (SM) layer width were assessed.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze SM cell markers.
- Plasma levels of arginine and cholesterol were measured.
Main Results:
- BP increased with maturation, being significantly higher in males than females.
- Neointimal plaques appeared early (6 weeks) in the distal abdominal aorta and increased with maturation.
- Plaque size correlated with higher BP (r=0.68).
- Aortic SM layer width increased with age, suggesting hypertrophy in response to high BP.
- Plasma arginine decreased, while cholesterol increased with age.
- Neointimal cells expressed alpha SM actin, indicating modulation of SM cells.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous neointimal plaque development in fowl appears to be a consequence of elevated BP and hemodynamic changes.
- These findings highlight a potential model for studying hypertension-related vascular disease.