Excessive adventitial remodeling leads to early aortic maladaptation in angiotensin-induced hypertension

MR Bersi, C Bellini, J Wu, KRC Montaniel… - …, 2016 - Am Heart Assoc
Hypertension, 2016Am Heart Assoc
The primary function of central arteries is to store elastic energy during systole and to use it
to sustain blood flow during diastole. Arterial stiffening compromises this normal mechanical
function and adversely affects end organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys. Using an
angiotensin II infusion model of hypertension in wild-type mice, we show that the thoracic
aorta exhibits a dramatic loss of energy storage within 2 weeks that persists for at least 4
weeks. This diminished mechanical functionality results from increased structural stiffening …
The primary function of central arteries is to store elastic energy during systole and to use it to sustain blood flow during diastole. Arterial stiffening compromises this normal mechanical function and adversely affects end organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys. Using an angiotensin II infusion model of hypertension in wild-type mice, we show that the thoracic aorta exhibits a dramatic loss of energy storage within 2 weeks that persists for at least 4 weeks. This diminished mechanical functionality results from increased structural stiffening as a result of an excessive accumulation of adventitial collagen, not a change in the intrinsic stiffness of the wall. A detailed analysis of the transmural biaxial wall stress suggests that the exuberant production of collagen results more from an inflammatory response than from a mechano-adaptation, hence reinforcing the need to control inflammation, not just blood pressure. Although most clinical assessments of arterial stiffening focus on intimal–medial thickening, these results suggest a need to measure and control the highly active and important adventitia.
Am Heart Assoc