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Esophageal morphometric and biomechanical changes during aging in rats
J Zhao1,2, H Gregersen2
1Giome Academia, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|August 26, 2015
Summary
Aging significantly remodels the rat esophagus, altering its structure and mechanical properties. These changes in esophageal morphometrics and biomechanics provide insights into age-related digestive issues.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Human studies indicate age-related esophageal changes may increase gastro-esophageal reflux in the elderly.
- Investigating aging-related morphometric and biomechanical remodeling in rat esophagus is crucial for understanding these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate esophageal morphometric and biomechanical remodeling in aging rats.
- To obtain detailed information about age-related changes in esophageal structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Studied 24 male Wistar rats aged 6 to 22 months.
- Measured esophageal wall thickness, cross-sectional area, diameter, and length under various pressure conditions.
- Computed circumferential and longitudinal stresses and strains from geometric and pressure data.
Main Results:
- Esophageal weight per unit length, wall thickness, and cross-sectional area increased with age (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001).
- Esophageal opening angle decreased, and the neutral axis shifted inwards during aging.
- Esophageal wall stiffness increased circumferentially and longitudinally with age (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), with no change after 12 months circumferentially.
Conclusions:
- Pronounced morphometric and biomechanical remodeling occurs in the rat esophagus during aging.
- Aging leads to significant structural and mechanical alterations in the esophagus.
