Comparison of Histomorphometric Characteristics of Heart and Aorta in Young Adult and Aged Rats

Authors : Mete Keçeci, Furkan Bodur, Esra Babaoğlu, Osman Cengil, Cenk Murat Özer

Pages : 244-256

Doi:10.29058/mjwbs.1470747

View : 118 | Download : 130

Publication Date : 2024-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the histomorphometric and immunohistochemical properties of the heart and aorta in young adult and aged rats. Material and Methods: Sixteen female Wistar albino rats, eight young adult (6 months old, female, 233.25±13.85 g) and rats were used in the study. The rats were sacrificed under high dose anaesthesia and heart and aortic tissues were collected. Ventricular and septum interventiculare thicknesses were measured on the heart tissues, tunica media, tunica intima thickness and aortic diameter were measured histomorphometrically on the aortic tissues. In addition, Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) in the smooth muscle cells of the tunica media of the aorta and occludin protein levels in the aorta and heart endothelium were examined by immunohistochemical method and histological scoring was performed. Results: As a result of statistical analysis, body weight, heart weight, heart weight/body weight ratio, tunica media and intima thicknesses, and aortic diameters were found to be statistically significantly higher in aged rats compared to young adult rats (p<0.05). Among the cardiac measurements, only the left ventricle/heart weight ratio was found to be statistically significantly higher in young adults than in aged rats (p<0.05). In addition, according to the H scoring of the data obtained as a result of immunohistochemical staining for iNOS protein, iNOS protein level was found to be higher in aged rats than in young rats (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining for occludin in aorta and heart endothelial cells of aged rats revealed weaker staining compared to young rats. Conclusion: In general, our study emphasises the importance of understanding the histomorphometric changes that occur in heart and aortic tissue as a result of aging. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these age-related changes and to identify potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in elderly individuals
Keywords : Aort, histomorfometri, iNOS, kalp, yaşlanma

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