The contribution of vascular smooth muscle to aortic stiffness across length scales.
Microcirculation
; 21(3): 201-7, 2014 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24635219
ABSTRACT
The operation of the cardiovascular system in health and disease is inherently mechanical. Clinically, aortic stiffness has proven to be of critical importance as an early biomarker for subsequent cardiovascular disease; however, the mechanisms involved in aortic stiffening are still unclear. The etiology of aortic stiffening with age has been thought to primarily involve changes in extracellular matrix protein composition and quantity, but recent studies suggest a significant involvement of the differentiated contractile vascular smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall. Here, we provide an overview of vascular physiology and biomechanics at different spatial scales. The processes involved in aortic stiffening are examined with particular attention given to recent discoveries regarding the role of vascular smooth muscle.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Rigidez Vascular
/
Músculo Liso Vascular
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Microcirculation
Assunto da revista:
ANGIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2014
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos