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.