Aortic hexosamine, [35S]sulfate uptake, and calcium metabolism related to early arterial degenerative changes induced by lactation and forced weaning in breeder rats.
The relation of lactation and weaning to the development of early arterial lesions in the female breeder rat was investigated. Changes in aortic hexosamine and 35S-uptake, which are indicative of ground substance metabolism were correlated with changes in aortic calcium, phosphorus, and 45Ca-uptake during lactation and weaning. Lactation was associated with reduced aortic hexosamine content and lowered uptake of [S]sulfate. Further dynamic changes in aortic metabolism of these substances occurred following weaning in conjunction with an intense calcium uptake in the aorta of some, but not all, of the post-lactation animals. These latter changes were associated with the beginning aortic calcifications. Histopathologically, early arterial lesions developing during lactation, consist of intimal accumulations of mucopolysaccharide capped over by collagen. With repeated breeding cycles, these early lesions become exacerbated with extensive medial calcification occurring in areas rich in mucopolysaccharide and collagen particularly around degenerating elastic fibers. The hormones associated with reproduction and lactation may have a conditioning effect on these arterial connective tissue alterations and the development of arterial degenerative changes.
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006595:Hexosamines / Q000378:metabolism*; D007774:Lactation; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D013431:Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D014886:Weaning
D006595:Hexosamines; D013431:Sulfates; D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium