Age related structural changes in human basilar artery

Abstract

The basilar artery is the most important artery in the posterior cerebral circulation. In cases of stroke due to acute basilar artery occlusion mortality rate is significantly higher if compared to all stroke cases. Arterial wall stifening is characteristic for ageing arteries and many investigators arterial wall stiffening relate to the loss of elastic component in the arterial wall during ageing. In arterial stiffening also may play role changes in collagen content and number of smooth muscle cells (SMC). Basilar arteries were obtained within 24 hours postmortem from 89 human cadavers (44 male and 45 female). from the middle part of basilar arteries histological slides were performed and area of collagen fibers, number of smooth muscle cells and thickness of the media were measured. Morphometric analysis revealed increase of collagen network area with the age. [...].