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Increased collagenase activity in early aneurysmal dilatation.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Aortic aneurysm formation involves increased collagenase activity. This study found that altered blood flow and pressure in monkeys caused increased collagenase, leading to aortic dilatation, suggesting it’s a response, not an intrinsic defect.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular research
Background:
- Increased collagenase activity is linked to aortic aneurysm development.
- The role of hemodynamic forces in aneurysm pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between poststenotic dilatation and collagenase/elastase activity in the aortic wall.
- To determine if altered hemodynamic conditions can induce collagenolytic changes.
Main Methods:
- Cynomolgus monkeys underwent surgical coarctation of the thoracic aorta to induce poststenotic dilatation.
- Serial angiography was used to monitor the development of dilatation.
- Collagenase and elastase activity in the aortic wall were measured at 3 months.
Main Results:
- Poststenotic dilatation developed progressively over 6 months.
- Collagenase activity in the dilated aortic region increased twofold compared to controls (p < 0.05).
- No significant change in elastase activity was observed.
Conclusions:
- Local hemodynamic modifications, such as altered pressure and flow, can induce collagenolysis and aneurysmal dilatation.
- Increased collagenase activity in abdominal aortic aneurysms may be a response to altered hemodynamics rather than an intrinsic defect.