Circulating and cellular markers of endothelial dysfunction with aging in rats

A study was conducted on the influence of age on endothelial functional markers in rats. Angiotensin I converting enzyme activity and nitric oxide synthase mRNA expressions were analyzed in the lung and aorta of the samples. The results indicate that aging modifies the expression of endothelial markers implicated in the regulation of vasomotor tone which could contribute to higher risk of pathological processes within the arterial wall associated with aging.