Abstract | PURPOSE:
Elastin and collagen (types I and III) are the primary load-bearing elements in aortic tissue. Deficiencies and derangements in elastin and type III collagen have been associated with the development of aneurysmal disease. However, the role of type I collagen is less well defined. The purpose of this study was to define the role of type I collagen in maintaining biomechanical integrity in the thoracic aorta, with a mouse model that produces homotrimeric type I collagen [alpha1(I)]3, rather than the normally present heterotrimeric [alpha1(I)]2 alpha2(I) type I collagen isotype. METHODS: Ascending and descending thoracic aortas from homozygous (oim/oim ), heterozygous (oim /+), and wildtype (+/+) mice were harvested. Circumferential and longitudinal load-extension curves were used as a means of determining maximum breaking strength (Fmax) and incremental elastic modulus (IEM). Histologic analyses and hydroxyproline assays were performed as a means of determining collagen organization and content. RESULTS: Circumferentially, the ascending and descending aortas of oim /oim mice demonstrated significantly reduced Fmax, with an Fmax of only 60% and 23%, respectively, of wildtype mice aortas. Oim/oim descending aortas demonstrated significantly greater compliance (decreased IEM), and the ascending aortas also exhibited a trend toward increased compliance. Reduced breaking strength was also demonstrated with longitudinal extension of the descending aorta. CONCLUSION: The presence of homotrimeric type I collagen isotype (absence of alpha2(I) collagen) significantly weakens the aorta. This study demonstrates the integral role of type I collagen in the biomechanical and functional properties of the aorta and may help to elucidate the role of collagen in the development of aneurysmal aortic disease or dissection.
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Authors | A G Vouyouka, B J Pfeiffer, T K Liem, T A Taylor, J Mudaliar, C L Phillips |
Journal | Journal of vascular surgery
(J Vasc Surg)
Vol. 33
Issue 6
Pg. 1263-70
(Jun 2001)
ISSN: 0741-5214 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11389427
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Aorta
(cytology, physiology)
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Collagen
(metabolism)
- Culture Techniques
- Hydroxyproline
(analysis)
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Transgenic
- Models, Animal
- Probability
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Species Specificity
- Tensile Strength
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