Effects of hypertension on the intercellular contacts between smooth muscle cells in the rat thoracic aorta.

摘要: A qualitative and quantitative study was made of the contacts between muscle cells in media thoracic aorta hypertensive normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. In ultrathin sections, type number per 100 microns cell perimeter profiles were determined using an image analysis computer. The intercellular both groups form simple appositions, interdigitations, intermediate junctions nexus junctions. group, there a reduction appositions junctions, but (which provide communication) increased density. Interdigitations demonstrated no change. Decreased cohesion may play important role mechanisms by which hypertension predisposes degeneration with progression to ectasia, aneurysm formation dissection.