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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
Published on: December 2, 2014
Assessing Murine Aortic Intrinsic Stiffness Using Pin Myography: A Translational Framework For Interrogating The
Branden L Nguyen1, Ravinandan Venkatasubramanian1, Mackenzie N Kehmeier1
1Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Aortic stiffening, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, can be studied in mice to understand its intrinsic properties and the role of circulating molecules. This guide details methods for assessing aortic stiffness and the circulating milieu in preclinical and clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Aging Research
Background:
- Aortic stiffening is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
- Current in vivo methods for assessing aortic stiffness are limited by confounding physiological factors, hindering mechanistic understanding.
- Preclinical murine models offer a valuable platform to study intrinsic aortic properties and the circulating milieu, bridging preclinical and clinical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive guide for assessing intrinsic aortic stiffness (elastic modulus) in preclinical murine models.
- To detail methods for evaluating the contribution of the circulating milieu to aortic stiffening.
- To facilitate translational research by connecting preclinical findings with clinical biospecimens.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing preclinical murine models for direct acquisition of aortic tissue to assess intrinsic mechanical properties.
- Employing tonometry- or ultrasound-based techniques adapted for murine models.
- Analyzing circulating bioactive molecules in the bloodstream (circulating milieu) from both preclinical and clinical biospecimens.
Main Results:
- Established a step-by-step protocol for quantifying intrinsic aortic stiffness in mice.
- Demonstrated the utility of murine models in dissecting the role of the circulating milieu in aortic stiffening.
- Highlighted the translational relevance of circulating milieu alterations in aging and disease.
Conclusions:
- Preclinical murine models are essential for mechanistic insights into aortic stiffening, complementing clinical studies.
- The circulating milieu plays a critical role in modulating aortic stiffness across the lifespan and in various disease states.
- This guide provides a framework for standardized assessment, advancing research on aortic stiffening and its therapeutic interventions.
