The Contribution of Elastin, Collagen, and Smooth Muscle Cells to Residual Strains in Large Elastic Arteries

The contribution of elastin, collagen, and smooth muscle cells to residual strain in porcine aortas were evaluated by assessing several parameters: opening angle, neutral axis, and residual strain. Elastase or collagenase was used to remove elastin or collagen. Smooth muscle cells were activated using Ca2+ /KCl solutions or deactivated using KCN solutions. Several statistically significant trends (P