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Effect of aging on collateral circulation via pial anastomoses in cats
S Yamaguchi1, S Kobayashi, A Murata
1Third Division of Internal Medicine, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan.
Insights
Aging impairs collateral circulation in the brain after stroke, increasing vulnerability to ischemic damage. Aged cats showed reduced blood flow and higher resistance in brain vessels compared to younger cats.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Research
- Aging Research
Background:
- Collateral circulation is crucial for brain tissue survival during ischemic events.
- Aging is associated with increased risk and severity of stroke.
- The impact of aging on pial anastomoses' function remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of aging on collateral circulation through pial anastomoses following middle cerebral artery occlusion.
- To compare the cerebrovascular response to ischemia in young versus aged cats.
Main Methods:
- Middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in young and aged cats.
- Blood flow and electroencephalography (EEG) power were measured.
- Collateral vessel resistance was assessed.
Main Results:
- Aged cats exhibited greater reductions in blood flow and EEG power compared to young cats.
- Collateral vessel resistance was significantly higher in the aged group.
- EEG power post-occlusion correlated with collateral resistance and blood flow.
Conclusions:
- Collateral function deteriorates with advancing age.
- Impaired collateral function contributes to the heightened vulnerability of the aged brain to ischemic injury.
- These findings highlight the importance of age-related changes in cerebrovascular reserve for stroke outcomes.
Abstract:
The effect of aging on collateral circulation via pial anastomoses after middle cerebral artery occlusion was investigated in young and aged cats. The reduction of blood flow and electroencephalography power were greater and collateral vessel resistance was higher in the aged group than the young group. Electroencephalography power after the occlusion was correlated with collateral resistance and blood flow in the two groups. These results suggest that collateral function deteriorates with aging and the high vulnerability to ischemic insult in aged brain may be caused in part by the poor collateral function.