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Longitudinal retractive force in pressurized dog and human arteries
P B Dobrin1, T H Schwarcz, R Mrkvicka
1Department of Surgery, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Illinois.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|February 1, 1990
Summary
In pressurized arteries, elastin provides all longitudinal retractive force in dogs. Aged human arteries show both elastin and collagen contributing to this force, with elastin being dominant.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Arterial walls possess intrinsic forces that resist elongation and prevent tortuosity.
- Understanding the biomechanical properties of arteries is crucial for diagnosing and treating vascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of arterial wall components to longitudinal retractive force in vitro.
- To compare the biomechanical properties of canine and aged human arteries.
Main Methods:
- Excised common carotid arteries (dogs) and external iliac arteries (aged humans) were mounted in a tissue bath.
- Vessels were pressurized to in situ length, and longitudinal retractive force was measured.
- Enzymatic treatments with elastase and collagenase were used to determine the role of elastin and collagen.
Main Results:
- In canine carotid arteries, elastin was solely responsible for the longitudinal retractive force.
- In aged human iliac arteries, both elastin and collagen contributed to the retractive force.
- Elastin provided the predominant component of longitudinal retractive force in aged human arteries.
Conclusions:
- Elastin plays a critical role in maintaining arterial shape and preventing elongation across species.
- Aging alters the biomechanical composition of human arteries, with collagen gaining a significant role in longitudinal retractive force alongside elastin.