Tunica intima compensation for reduced stiffness of the tunica media in aging renal arteries as measured with scanning acoustic microscopy.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Aging causes stiffness and decreased function of the renal artery (RA). Histological study with light microscopy can reveal microscopic structural remodeling but no functional changes. The present study aimed to clarify the association between structural and functional aging of the RA through the use of scanning acoustic microscopy.

Methods

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cross-sections of renal arteries from 64 autopsy cases were examined. Speed-of-sound (SOS) values of three layers, which correspond to the stiffness, were compared among different age groups. SOS of the tunica media was examined in terms of blood pressure (BP) and SOS of the ascending aorta. Vulnerability to proteases was assessed by SOS reduction after collagenase treatment.

Results

The

SUBMITTER: Miura K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7641345 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature