Large, elastic arteries are composed of cells and a specialized extracellular matrix that
provides reversible elasticity and strength. Elastin is the matrix protein responsible for this …

Arterial stiffening occurs with age and is closely associated with the progression of
cardiovascular disease. Stiffening is most often studied at the level of the whole vessel …

The maintenance of appropriate arterial tone is critically important for normal physiological
arterial function. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined …

Extracellular matrix proteins form the basic structure of blood vessels. Along with providing
basic structural support to blood vessels, matrix proteins interact with different sets of …

An important factor in the transition from an open to a closed circulatory system was a
change in vessel wall structure and composition that enabled the large arteries to store and …

Large artery stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity, is correlated with high blood
pressure and may be a causative factor in essential hypertension. The extracellular matrix …

Tortuous arteries and veins are commonly observed in humans and animals. While mild
tortuosity is asymptomatic, severe tortuosity can lead to ischemic attack in distal organs …

Elastic fibers provide recoil to tissues that undergo repeated stretch, such as the large
arteries and lung. These large extracellular matrix (ECM) structures contain numerous …

Because of structural and cellular differences (ie, degrees of matrix abundance and cross-
linking, mural cell density, and adventitia), large and medium-sized vessels, in comparison …

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a highly lethal vascular disease. In many patients with
TAD, the aorta progressively dilates and ultimately ruptures. Dissection formation …