Detection and characterization of molecular-level collagen damage in overstretched cerebral arteries.

ABSTRACT: It is well established that overstretch of arteries alters their mechanics and compromises their function. However, the underlying structural mechanisms behind these changes are poorly understood. Utilizing a recently developed collagen hybridizing peptide (CHP), we demonstrate that a single mechanical overstretch of an artery produces molecular-level unfolding of collagen. In addition, imaging and quantification of CHP binding revealed that overstretch produces damage (unfolding) among fibers aligned with the direction of loading, that damage increases with overstretch severity, and that the onset of this damage is closely associated with tissue yielding. These findings held true for both axial and circumferential loading directions. Our results are the first to identify stretch-induced m

SUBMITTER: Converse MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5794621 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature