Arterial vasoconstriction: a possible pathogenetic factor in the process of atherosclerosis

The nutritional supply of arteries with a wall thickness of more than 0.5 mm takes place partly by diffusion from the lumen of the artery and partly from the adventitia through the vasa vasorum. The diffusion capacity is partially dependent upon the wall thickness and the intravascular pressure. During vasoconstriction both the wall thickness and the work of the muscle cells of the media are increased. The metabolic demands thus become greater at the same time as the nutritional supply deteriorates. Arterial vasoconstriction may cause a change in metabolism in the media, leading to a primary lesion in the arterial wall.