Biomechanics of resistance artery wall remodeling in angiotensin-II hypertension and subsequent recovery

Background/Aims: To identify the relationship between systemic and local hemodynamics, as well as segmental biomechanical properties in a musculocutaneous resistance artery during angiotensin-II hypertension and its recovery. Methods: Rats were infused with angiotensin-II using implanted osmotic minipumps (ALZET 2ML4, 150 ng/kg/min) for 4 weeks. Measurements were made either immediately following infusion or after an additional 4-week recovery period. Parallel controls were created. Segmental geometry and blood flow were determined in vivo on microsurgically exposed segments of the saphenous arterial branch (350 µm). Pressure-radius plots of excised cylindrical segments were recorded by pressure arteriography. Results: Eutrophic hypertensive wall remodeling developed, with reduced passive radius, increased wall thickness, elevated low-stress elastic modulus, reduced norepinephrine contraction, and reduced endothelium-mediated dilation. Relaxed wall geometry fully healed in 4 weeks of recovery, but an increased contractility and a reduced in vivo lumen persisted. Regional hemodynamic resistance correlated positively with systemic arterial pressure and wall thickness in vivo, and negatively with in vivo lumen size throughout these studies. Conclusion: A partial recovery of the biomechanical parameters was found. Healing of eutrophic hypertensive remodeling of the resistance artery wall is a complex biomechanical process, not a simple reversal of the original pathological sequel.