Collagen network changes in basilar artery in aging.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine and evaluate morphometrically age-related changes in collagen network in the tunica media of human basilar artery.


METHODS
Histological analysis of the basilar arteries obtained from 89 individuals, aged 20 to 85 years, was performed. The study has been carried out by standard histological technique; histological samples were stained with picrosirius red. Detailed quantitative analysis of collagen bundle network in the tunica media of basilar artery was performed.


RESULTS
We analyzed collagen network area, perimeter and number of collagen bundles in the tunica media of the basilar artery. After investigation of age-related changes in collagen network area in men and women, we determined that in both genders collagen network area in the tunica media of the basilar artery increased with age. Analyzing the perimeter and number of collagen bundles in both genders by different age groups, it was found that they decreased with age. We found a statistically significant correlation between all the measured parameters and the age.


CONCLUSIONS
The area of collagen bundles increased, the number and perimeter of collagen bundles decreased with age in both genders in the tunica media of human basilar artery. While aging, the structure of collagen bundle network became less branchy, collagen fibers merged, their cross section area enlarged.
Gudiene
Devika
D
Department of Histology and Embryology, Kaunas University of Medicine, A. Mickeviciaus 9, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania. devikagud@yahoo.com
Valanciūte
Angelija
A
Velavicius
Juozas
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001488:Basilar Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006652:Histological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism
D003094:Collagen