Effect of Vasa Vasorum Flow on Structure and Function of the Aorta in Experimental Animals

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Abstract
Background It is known that vasa vasorum flow contributes substantially to the nutrition of the outer layers of the thoracic aorta. This investigation was undertaken to test the hypothesis that impairment of vasa vasorum flow would alter the structure of the aortic wall and change the elastic properties of the aorta. Methods and Results The periaortic fat that contains the vasa vasorum for the ascending aorta was removed in seven anesthetized dogs, and the results were compared with those obtained from six weight-matched sham-operated control dogs. Aortic pressures, aortic diameters, and aortic distensibility were obtained before and 30 minutes and 15 days after removal of the periaortic vasa vasorum network. Aortic pressures were measured directly with a fluid-filled catheter. Aortic diameters were measured simultaneously with aortic pressures with an elastic, air-filled ring connected to a transducer. Aortic distensibility was calculated by the formula 2×pulsatile change in aortic diameter/(diastolic ao...