Estrogenic vascular effects are diminished by chronological aging.

ABSTRACT: The beneficial role of estrogen in the vascular system may be due, in part, through reduction of peripheral vascular resistance. The use of estrogen therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women remains contentious. This study investigated the influence of aging and the menopause on the acute vasodilatory effects of estrogen using ex vivo human and murine resistance arteries. Vessels were obtained from young (2.9 ± 0.1 months) and aged (24.2 ± 0.1 and 28.9 ± 0.3 months) female mice and pre- (42.3 ± 0.5 years) and post-menopausal (61.9 ± 0.9 years) women. Aging was associated with profound structural alterations of murine uterine arteries, including the occurrence of outward hypertrophic remodeling and increased stiffness. Endothelial and smooth muscle function were dim

SUBMITTER: Nicholson CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5610317 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature