Plasticity of cerebral microvascular structure and mechanics during hypertension and following recovery of arterial pressure
Rasna Sabharwal, Mark W. Chapleau, Thomas D. Gerhold, Gary L. Baumbach, Frank M. Faraci
Abstract
Changes in vascular structure contribute to vascular events and loss of brain health. We examined the inherent structural plasticity of cerebral arterioles during and after a period of hypertension. Arteriolar wall thickness, diameter, wall-to-lumen ratio, and biological stiffness changed rapidly during hypertension and recovered with blood pressure. In contrast, inward remodeling developed slowly and did not recover. This lack of recovery of arteriolar diameter has implications for the long-term impact of hypertension on vascular determinants of brain health.
Topics & Concepts
Arterial stiffnessLumen (anatomy)Blood pressurePlasticityCardiologyMedicineMicrocirculationEssential hypertensionArterial wallInternal medicineMaterials scienceComposite materialCardiovascular Health and Disease PreventionTraumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular DisturbancesOptical Imaging and Spectroscopy Techniques