Increased stiffness and cell–matrix interactions of abdominal aorta in two experimental nonhypertensive models

Abstract

In aorta of SNX and SAD rats, a similar arterial stiffness is associated to different structural alterations. An increase in αvβ3 or α5β1 integrins together with the already reported increase in the proportion of less distensible (collagen) to more distensible (elastin) components in both models contributes to remodeling and stiffening of the abdominal aorta.