Evolving structure-function relations during aortic maturation and aging revealed by multiphoton microscopy.

ABSTRACT: The evolving microstructure and mechanical properties that promote homeostasis in the aorta are fundamental to age-specific adaptations and disease progression. We combine ex vivo multiphoton microscopy and biaxial biomechanical phenotyping to quantify and correlate layer-specific microstructural parameters, for the primary extracellular matrix components (fibrillar collagen and elastic lamellae) and cells (endothelial, smooth muscle, and adventitial), with mechanical properties of the mouse aorta from weaning through natural aging up to one year. The aging endothelium was characterized by progressive reductions in cell density and altered cellular orientation. The media similarly showed a progressive decrease in smooth muscle cell density and alignment though with inter-lamellar widening

SUBMITTER: Cavinato C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8154707 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature