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Assessing Collagen and Elastin Pressure-dependent Microarchitectures in Live, Human Resistance Arteries by Label-free Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: April 9, 2018
Elastin insufficiency predisposes to elevated pulmonary circulatory pressures through changes in elastic artery
Adrian Shifren1, Anthony G Durmowicz, Russell H Knutsen
1Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. ashifren@cellbiology.wustl.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|September 6, 2008
Summary
Elastin insufficiency in mice leads to smaller pulmonary arteries and higher pressures. Despite this, cardiac remodeling was less severe than expected, suggesting a developmental adaptation to maintain blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Genetics
Background:
- Elastin is crucial for arterial biomechanics.
- Loss-of-function mutations cause supravalvular aortic stenosis.
- Understanding elastin's role in the pulmonary circulation is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of elastin insufficiency on pulmonary cardiovascular physiology.
- To evaluate pulmonary hemodynamics in mice with varying elastin levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic and knockout mice with graded vascular elastin dosage (45-120% of wild type).
- Assessed pulmonary artery dimensions and wall thickness.
- Measured pulmonary circulatory pressures via right ventricular catheterization.
Main Results:
- Elastin-insufficient mice showed smaller pulmonary artery diameters, thinner walls, and increased opening angles.
- Pulmonary circulatory pressures were significantly elevated and inversely correlated with elastin levels.
- Mild right ventricular hypertrophy and vascular remodeling occurred, but were attenuated compared to other models.
Conclusions:
- Elastin deficiency alters pulmonary artery structure and elevates pressure.
- The limited cardiac remodeling suggests a developmental adaptation to maintain cardiac output.
- Findings provide insights into elastin's role in pulmonary vascular disease.
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