Original Research

Impaired Elastic Properties of the Aorta in Fat-Fed, Streptozotocin-Treated Rats
Vascular Remodeling in Diabetic Arteries
Hui Sun^{a, b}, Ming Zhong^a, Ya Miao^a, Xiao Ma^a, Hui-Ping Gong^a, Hong-Wei Tan^a, Yun Zhang^a, Wei Zhang<sup>a

a</sup>Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Public Health, Shandong University, Qilu Hospital, and
^bDepartment of Cardiology, Jinan Central Hospital, Ji'nan, China

Address of Corresponding Author

Cardiology 2009;114:107-113 (DOI: 10.1159/000219211)

  Key Words

• Aortic stiffness
• Cross-sectional distensibility
• Diabetic vessels
• Elasticity
• Vascular remodeling
• Ultrasound

  Abstract

Background: Vascular complications associated with diabetes are the major cause for the increased morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. However, the progression of vascular complications in diabetes is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the biomechanical and biochemical changes associated with vascular dysfunction in diabetic rats. Methods:Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: normal control (n = 8) and fat-fed, streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats (n = 11). After 16 weeks, Peterson's modulus of elasticity (Ep) and cross-sectional distensibility (CD) were calculated and compared between the two groups. Aortas were harvested from rats for histopathological and electron-microscopic analysis. Results: Collagenous fibers were scattered in the extracellular matrix and invaded the elastic lamina in the aortas of diabetic rats, suggesting a significant accumulation of collagen in diabetic vessels. Compared with normal rats, diabetic rats showed significantly reduced aortic distensibility (CD: 0.10 ± 0.04 vs. 0.17 ± 0.08 kPa^-1, p = 0.033) and an increased aortic stiffness index (Ep: 0.25 ± 0.13 vs. 0.15 ± 0.05 × 10⁶ dyn/cm², p = 0.045). Ep was positively and CD negatively correlated with glucose and collagen in diabetic rats. Conclusions: In diabetic rats, elastic properties of the aorta are impaired, being closely related to hyperglycemia-induced vascular wall remodeling.

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Wei Zhang
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research
Chinese Ministry of Education and Public Health, Shandong University Qilu Hospital
Ji'nan 250012 (China)
Tel. +86 531 8216 9339, Fax +86 531 8291 9937, E-Mail zhangwei7@medmail.com.cn

  Article Information

Received: October 20, 2008
Accepted after revision: January 30, 2009
Published online: May 19, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 4, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 35