The aortic wall contains various heterogenous proteoglycan populations which interact in different ways with other components of extracellular matrix. Proteoglycans (PGs) are known to provide structural support to the vessel wall as well as to influence specific physiological functions of the tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Chondroitinase AC (Chase), Stre...

For over 50 years, it has been recognised that muscles from many different species of animals are able to generate a higher steady-state isometric force after active stretch than during a purely isometric contraction at the same length. This is known as ;residual force enhancement' (rFE). The mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains controversial. One proposal is that an elastic element par...

Severe emphysema radically diminishes quality of life. The disease is a result of destruction of lung parenchyma and is most commonly associated with cigarette smoke exposure or the congenital absence of α1-antitrypsin. The elastic fibres of the lung, which in a healthy state strive to retract the lungs, are particularly affected. The inward force determined by these fibres is balanced by the c...

The structural organisation of tunica intima in the aorta is important for its integrity, prediction, and diagnosis of atherosclerosis. The goat is a suitable model for cardiovascular studies, but the structure of its tunica intima is scarcely reported. This study, therefore, aimed to describe features of the goat aortic tunica intima by light and transmission electron microscopy. Sixteen healt...

The objective of this study as to determine the anti-atherogenic effect of cardiproa poly herbal cardiotonic which primarily contains the standardized extracts of Terminalia arjuna, Ocimum sanctum, Boerhaavia diffusa, Emblica officinalis and withania somnifera. For this purpose, 24 adult wistar albino rats were equally divided into 4 groups. Group I acted as control, Group 2 received individual...

Bone marrow‑derived cells (BMCs) have demonstrated their ability to differentiate into multiple cell lineages and may be a promising cell source for vascular tissue engineering. Although much progress has been made in the engineering of small blood vessels (<6 mm in diameter) with biodegradable materials such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), it remains a challenge to engineer large vessels (>6 mm in...

Elastin is a major component of tissues such as lung and blood vessels, and endows them with the long-range elasticity necessary for their physiological functions. Recent research has revealed the complexity of these elastin structures and drawn attention to the existence of extensive networks of fine elastin fibres in tissues such as articular cartilage and the intervertebral disc. Nonlinear m...