Structural and functional remodeling of thoracic aortae in sinoaortic-denervated rats / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

AIM　To investigate the structural and functional remodeling of thoracic aortae in sinoaortic- denervated (SAD) rats. METHODS　SD rats underwent either SAD or sham-operation at the age of 10 weeks. Sixteen weeks after operation, the contraction and relaxation of the thoracic aortae were measured in isolated preparations; The morphological changes of arteries were examined by using histopathological method and computer image analysis. RESULTS　The NE-induced contraction was increased and Ach-induced relaxation of aortic rings was depressed in SAD rats; The structural remodeling of thoracic aortae was characterized by medial VSMC hypertrophy and matrix accumulations. CONCLUSION　Vascular functional and structural remodeling can be found in sinoaortic-denervated rats.