Distensibility of the Atherosclerotic Carotid Artery: Relationship With Plaque Burden and Composition?

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gador Canton ◽  
Dalin Tang ◽  
Daniel S. Hippe ◽  
Chun Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Carotid Arteries ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Cine Mri ◽  
Arterial Distensibility ◽  
Biomechanical Models ◽  
Imaging Tool ◽  
Wall Stiffness

Arterial distensibility is a marker that can measure vessel wall functional and structural changes resulting from atherosclerosis [5] with applications including estimation of mechanical properties of the wall for biomechanical models. Although arterial segments affected by atherosclerosis are characterized by marked stiffening [2], little is known about the relationship between local specific atherosclerotic plaque features and wall stiffness. In particular, calcification has been shown to be associated with greater wall stiffness, however, this relationship is not consistent in different arterial segments [1,6]. For the carotid arteries, a more thorough understanding of the role of plaque features in determining wall stiffness might be offered by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multi-contrast, high resolution MRI is an established imaging tool to quantify the components of carotid lesions, as well as plaque burden [8,9]. In addition, CINE MRI has been proven to be a reliable tool to measure arterial distensibility [3], an index frequently used to measure stiffness. In this study, our goals were to use MRI to characterize subject-specific wall stiffness in vivo in atherosclerotic carotid arteries, and to analyze the relation between stiffness and plaque burden and composition. CINE MRI was used to measure vessel wall stiffness; whereas a multi-contrast MRI protocol was applied to characterize vessel wall morphology and composition.

scholarly journals Exploring the Relationships Between Hemodynamic Stresses in the Carotid Arteries

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnus Ziegler ◽  
Jesper Alfraeus ◽  
Elin Good ◽  
Jan Engvall ◽  
Ebo de Muinck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Carotid Arteries ◽  
Carotid Bifurcation ◽  
Vessel Diameter ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaques ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
4D Flow ◽  
Bifurcation Angle

Background: Atherosclerosis manifests as a focal disease, often affecting areas with complex hemodynamics such as the carotid bifurcation. The magnitude and regularity of the hemodynamic shear stresses acting on the vessel wall are thought to generate risk patterns unique to each patient and play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The involvement of different expressions of shear stress in the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerosis highlights the need to characterize and compare the differential impact of the various expressions of shear stress in the atherosclerotic carotid bifurcation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to characterize and compare hemodynamic wall shear stresses (WSS) in the carotid arteries of subjects with asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques. Shear stresses were also compared against vessel diameter and bifurcation angle to examine the relationships with the geometry of the carotid bifurcation.Methods: 4D Flow MRI and contrast-enhanced MRA data were acquired for 245 subjects with atherosclerotic plaques of at least 2.7 mm in conjunction with the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). Following automatic segmentation and geometric analysis, time-resolved WSS and near-wall turbulent kinetic energy (nwTKE) were derived from the 4D Flow data. Whole-cycle parameters including time-averaged WSS and nwTKE, and the oscillatory shear index (OSI) were calculated. Pairwise Spearman rank-correlation analyses were used to investigate relationships among the hemodynamic as well as geometric parameters.Results: One hundred and seventy nine subjects were successfully segmented using automated tools and subsequently geometric and hemodynamic analyses were performed. Temporally resolved WSS and nwTKE were strongly correlated, ρ = 0.64. Cycle-averaged WSS and nwTKE were moderately correlated, ρ = 0.57. Cycle-average nwTKE was weakly correlated to OSI (ρ = −0.273), revealing that nwTKE provides information about disturbed flow on the vessel wall that OSI does not. In this cohort, there was large inter-individual variation for both WSS and nwTKE. Both WSS and nwTKE varied most within the external carotid artery. WSS, nwTKE, and OSI were weakly correlated to vessel diameter and bifurcation angle.Conclusion: The turbulent and mean component of WSS were examined together in vivo for the first time, and a strong correlation was found between them. nwTKE presents the opportunity to quantify turbulent wall stresses in vivo and gain insight into the effects of disturbed flow on the vessel wall. Neither vessel diameter nor bifurcation angle were found to be strongly correlated to the turbulent or mean component of WSS in this cohort.

scholarly journals In vivo cardiovascular magnetic resonance of 2D vessel wall diffusion anisotropy in carotid arteries

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Opriessnig ◽  
Harald Mangge ◽  
Rudolf Stollberger ◽  
Hannes Deutschmann ◽  
Gernot Reishofer
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Carotid Arteries ◽  
Diffusion Anisotropy

The role of microRNAs in arterial remodelling

2012 ◽  
Vol 107 (04) ◽  
pp. 611-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maliheh Nazari-Jahantigh ◽  
Yuanyuan Wei ◽  
Andreas Schober
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Vascular Remodelling

SummaryAdaptive alterations of the vessel wall architecture, called vascular remodelling, can be found in arterial hypertension, during the formation of aneurysms, in restenosis after vascular interventions, and in atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miR) critically affect the main cellular players in arterial remodelling and may either promote or inhibit the structural changes in the vessel wall. They regulate the phenotype of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and control the inflammatory response in endothelial cells and macrophages. In SMCs, different sets of miRs induce either a synthetic or contractile phenotype, respectively. The conversion into a synthetic SMC phenotype is a crucial event in arterial remodelling. Therefore, reprogramming of the SMC phenotype by miR targeting can modulate the remodelling process. Furthermore, the effects of stimuli that induce remodelling, such as shear stress, angiotensin II, oxidised low-density lipoprotein, or apoptosis, on endothelial cells are mediated by miRs. The endothelial cell-specific miR-126, for example, is transferred in microvesicles from apoptotic endothelial cells and plays a protective role in atherogenesis. The inflammatory response of the innate immune system, especially through macrophages, promotes arterial remodelling. miR-155 induces the expression of inflammatory cytokines, whereas miR-146a and miR-147 are involved in the resolution phase of inflammation. However, in vivo data on the role of miRs in vascular remodelling are still scarce, which are required to test the therapeutic potential of the available, highly effective miR inhibitors.

Accumulation of radiolabelled platelets and fibrin on the carotid artery of rabbits after angioplasty: effects of heparin and dipyridamole

2003 ◽  
Vol 90 (12) ◽  
pp. 1179-1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Lorenz ◽  
Herbert Merk ◽  
Michael Buchanan ◽  
Wolfgang Eisert ◽  
Joanne van Ryn
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Intravenous Infusion ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Carotid Arteries ◽  
Balloon Injury ◽  
Platelet Accumulation ◽  
Measurement Period

SummaryWe investigated the dynamic accumulation of platelets and fibrin after balloon injury of the carotid arteries in rabbits in vivo. In addition, effects of heparin and dipyridamole treatment were also tested. Autologous 99mTc-labelled platelet and 123I-labelled fibrin accumulation was measured at one minute intervals for 4 hours following balloon injury of the carotid artery. Platelet accumulation occurred rapidly, with a ~125% increase occurring within 30 min after injury. There was no further activity for up to 4 hours. This accumulation could be inhibited with an intravenous infusion of PGI2 (500 ng/kg/hr). Fibrin accumulation occurred slowly and continuously over the 4 hour measurement period. Injection of an anti-fibrin antibody inhibited fibrin accumulation. Heparin (25 U/kg/hr for 4 hrs) administration resulted in a significant 82 ± 19% and 68 ± 13% reduction in platelet and fibrin accumulation, respectively. This dose of heparin was associated with a 2-fold prolongation of the aPTT. Dipyridamole (0.45 mg/kg/hr for 4 hrs) resulted in a 46 ± 12% and 70 ± 25% reduction of platelet and fibrin accumulation, respectively. Thus, we demonstrated that the dynamics of platelet and fibrin accumulation following balloon injury in rabbits are very different. The vessel wall continues to be thrombogenic for fibrin up to 4 hours after injury even though platelet accumulation has ceased after one hour. We conclude that the local thrombotic events following balloon injury are complex and that not only platelets but also fibrin is important in regulating responses to injury.

Fine Structural Changes in the Microvasculature of the Mouse Pinna: Aging and Radiation Injury

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 54-55
Author(s):  
S. Phyllis Steamer ◽  
Rosemarie L. Devine
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Arterial Stenosis ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Vascular Effects ◽  
Microvascular Changes ◽  
Surrounding Connective Tissue ◽  
Fission Neutrons ◽  
Total Body

The importance of radiation damage to the skin and its vasculature was recognized by the early radiologists. In more recent studies, vascular effects were shown to involve the endothelium as well as the surrounding connective tissue. Microvascular changes in the mouse pinna were studied in vivo and recorded photographically over a period of 12-18 months. Radiation treatment at 110 days of age was total body exposure to either 240 rad fission neutrons or 855 rad 60Co gamma rays. After in vivo observations in control and irradiated mice, animals were sacrificed for examination of changes in vascular fine structure. Vessels were selected from regions of specific interest that had been identified on photomicrographs. Prominent ultrastructural changes can be attributed to aging as well as to radiation treatment. Of principal concern were determinations of ultrastructural changes associated with venous dilatations, segmental arterial stenosis and tortuosities of both veins and arteries, effects that had been identified on the basis of light microscopic observations. Tortuosities and irregularly dilated vein segments were related to both aging and radiation changes but arterial stenosis was observed only in irradiated animals.

The Effects of Heparin and Annexin V on Fibrin Accretion after Injury in the Jugular Veins of Rabbits

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (03) ◽  
pp. 227-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Van Ryn-McKenna ◽  
H Merk ◽  
T H Müller ◽  
M R Buchanan ◽  
W G Eisert
Keyword(s):  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Thrombin Generation ◽  
Antithrombin Iii ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Jugular Veins ◽  
Prothrombinase Complex ◽  
Wall Injury

SummaryWe compared the relative abilities of unfractionated heparin and annexin V to prevent fibrin accretion onto injured jugular veins in vivo. Heparin was used to accelerate the inhibition of thrombin by antithrombin III, and annexin V was used to inhibit the assembly of the prothrombinase complex on phospholipid surfaces, thereby blocking thrombin generation. Rabbit jugular veins were isolated in situ, a 2 cm segment was injured by perfusing it with air, and then blood flow was re-established. Five minutes later, each rabbit was injected with heparin (20 U/kg) or annexin V (0.3 mg/kg) and then with 125I-fibrinogen. The amount of 125I-fibrin accumulation onto each injured vessel wall segment was measured 4 h later. Each injured vessel was completely deendothelialized as a result of the air perfusion as demonstrated by electron microscopy. 125I-fibrin accretion onto the injured jugular veins was enhanced 2.4-fold as compared to the uninjured veins in sham-operated animals. Heparin treatment did not reduce fibrin accretion, whereas, annexin V treatment decreased fibrin accretion by 60%, p <0.05. This latter effect was achieved without sustained circulating anticoagulation. Additional experiments confirmed that the inhibitory effect of annexin V on fibrin accretion was associated with a surface specific effect, since more annexin V bound to the injured jugular vein segments as compared to the non-injured jugular veins. We conclude that, i) mild vessel wall injury (selective de-endothelialization) in veins results in a thrombogenic vessel wall; ii) the thrombogenecity of which is not inhibited by prophylactic doses of heparin; but iii) is inhibited by annexin V, which binds to injured vessel wall surface, and inhibits thrombin generation independently of antithrombin III.

An Electron Microscopic Study of Platelet Thrombus Formation in the Rabbit with Particular Regard to 5-Hydroxytryptamine Release

1967 ◽  
Vol 18 (03/04) ◽  
pp. 592-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. R Baumgartner ◽  
J. P Tranzer ◽  
A Studer
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Endothelial Damage ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Rabbit Ear ◽  
Basement Lamina ◽  
Platelet Thrombus

SummaryElectron microscopic and histologic examination of rabbit ear vein segments 4 and 30 min after slight endothelial damage have yielded the following findings :1. Platelets do not adhere to damaged endothelial cells.2. If the vessel wall is denuded of the whole endothelial cell, platelets adhere to the intimai basement lamina as do endothelial cells.3. The distance between adherent platelets as well as endothelial cells and intimai basement lamina measures 10 to 20 mµ, whereas the distance between aggregated platelets is 30 to 60 mµ.4. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is released from platelets during viscous metamorphosis at least in part as 5-HT organelles.It should be noted that the presence of collagen fibers is not necessary for platelet thrombus formation in vivo.

Thrombogenicity of the Injured Vessel Wall – Role of Antithrombin and Heparin

1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (01) ◽  
pp. 147-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siw Frebelius ◽  
Ulf Hedin ◽  
Jesper Swedenborg
Keyword(s):  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Antithrombin Iii ◽  
Rabbit Aorta ◽  
Continuous Treatment ◽  
Balloon Injury ◽  
Coagulant Activity ◽  
Risk For Thrombosis ◽  
Inhibition Of Thrombin

SummaryThe thrombogenicity of the vessel wall after endothelial denudation is partly explained by an impaired inhibition of thrombin on the subendothelium. We have previously reported that thrombin coagulant activity can be detected on the vessel wall after balloon injury in vivo. The glycosaminoglycans of the subendothelium differ from those of the endothelium and have a lower catalyzing effect on antithrombin III, but inhibition of thrombin can still be augmented by addition of antithrombin III to the injured vessel surface.In this study the effect of antithrombin III and heparin on thrombin coagulant activity on the vessel wall was studied after in vivo balloon injury of the rabbit aorta using biochemical and immunohistochemical methods and thrombin was analysed after excision of the vessel. Continuous treatment with heparin, lasting until sacrifice of the animal, or treatment with antithrombin III resulted in significant reduction of thrombin coagulant activity on the injured aorta. Heparin given only in conjunction with the injury did not prevent thrombin coagulant activity or deposition of fibrin on the surface.The capacity of the injured vessel wall to inhibit thrombin in vitro was improved on aortic segments obtained from animals receiving antithrombin III but not from those given heparin. It is concluded that treatment with antithrombin III interferes with thrombin appearance on the vessel wall after injury and thereby reduces the risk for thrombosis.

scholarly journals Interaction of Lactoferrin with Unsaturated Fatty Acids: In Vitro and In Vivo Study of Human Lactoferrin/Oleic Acid Complex Cytotoxicity

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1602
Author(s):  
Anna Elizarova ◽  
Alexey Sokolov ◽  
Valeria Kostevich ◽  
Ekaterina Kisseleva ◽  
Evgeny Zelenskiy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oleic Acid ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Acid Complex ◽  
Hepatoma 22A ◽  
Constitutive Parameters

As shown recently, oleic acid (OA) in complex with lactoferrin (LF) causes the death of cancer cells, but no mechanism(s) of that toxicity have been disclosed. In this study, constitutive parameters of the antitumor effect of LF/OA complex were explored. Complex LF/OA was prepared by titrating recombinant human LF with OA. Spectral analysis was used to assess possible structural changes of LF within its complex with OA. Structural features of apo-LF did not change within the complex LF:OA = 1:8, which was toxic for hepatoma 22a cells. Cytotoxicity of the complex LF:OA = 1:8 was tested in cultured hepatoma 22a cells and in fresh erythrocytes. Its anticancer activity was tested in mice carrying hepatoma 22a. In mice injected daily with LF-8OA, the same tumor grew significantly slower. In 20% of animals, the tumors completely resolved. LF alone was less efficient, i.e., the tumor growth index was 0.14 for LF-8OA and 0.63 for LF as compared with 1.0 in the control animals. The results of testing from 48 days after the tumor inoculation showed that the survival rate among LF-8OA-treated animals was 70%, contrary to 0% rate in the control group and among the LF-treated mice. Our data allow us to regard the complex of LF and OA as a promising tool for cancer treatment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document