Age-dependent leiomuscular atrophy in vertebral arteries of individuals under low fat diet.
The volumetric density of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in the proximal vertebral artery was investigated. In order to identify VSMC, paraffin-embedded sections of the proximal vertebral artery, obtained from autopsy specimens, were immunostained for smooth muscle alpha-actin by a modified ABC-technique. The 63 autopsy specimens, including 35 males and 28 females, covered the entire range from 2 months to 85 years. The volumetric density of alpha-actin positive VSMC in the tunica media was morphometrically assayed by the point-counting method. It is important to note that the morphometrical evaluation was performed on arteries obtained from autopsy specimens of the years 1953/54, a post-war time characterized in Germany by low fat diet as compared to the present-day nutrition of most industrial nations. Probably due to their origin, the vertebral arteries showed almost no atheroma. As the main purpose of this study was to find out about the atherosclerosis-independent process of aging, these arteries seemed particularly suitable. The evaluation showed a strictly age-dependent leiomuscular atrophy which became morphometrically evident in early adulthood. The average degree of regression was measured at 0.62% per year. These results may justify the conclusion that the leiomuscular atrophy of the media represents a primary age-related process and does not in any way result as a secondary event from an atheromatous transformation of the intima.
Zeiser
R
R
Institute of Pathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Albrecht-Bellingrath
W
W
Schaefer
H E
HE
D000199:Actins / Q000032:analysis; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001284:Atrophy / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*
D000199:Actins