Abstract
Biochemical and histological changes in the aortic wall of rabbits were demonstrated following injection of epinephrine and l-thyroxine during 2 weeks. The widespread gross and microscopic changes were accompanied by an increase in hexosamine content and uptake of 35S labeled sodium sulphate, and an increased calcium content, whereas the collagen content, assessed by determination of hydroxyproline, was reduced. Comparison with the effect of epinephrine injections alone showed that thyroxine intensified the damaging effect of epinephrine on the vessel wall and induced more pronounced mucopolysaccharide changes in the aortic wall, presumably acting as a link in the healing processes.