Comparative mechanics of diverse mammalian carotid arteries.

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of diverse animal models as surrogates for human vascular pathologies necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the differences that exist between species. Comparative passive mechanics are presented here for the common carotid arteries taken from bovine, porcine, ovine, leporine, murine-rat, and murine-mouse specimens. Data is generated using a scalable biaxial mechanical testing device following consistent circumferential (pressure-diameter) and axial (force-length) testing protocols. The structural mechanical response of carotids under equivalent loading, quantified by the deformed inner radius, deformed wall thickness, lumen area compliance and axial force, varies significantly among species but generally follows allometric scaling. Conversely, descriptors of the local mechanical response within the deformed arterial wall, including mean circumferential stress, mid-wall circumferential stretch, and mean axial stress, are relatively consistent across species. Unlike the larger animals studied, the diameter distensibility curves of murine specimens are non-monotonic and have a significantly higher value at 100 mmHg. Taken together, our results provide baseline structural and mechanical information for carotid arteries across a broad range of common animal models.