Increased vascular collagen and elastin synthesis in experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbit. Variation in synthesis among major vessels.

Collagen and elastin synthesis was determined in 5 regions of the vascular system in rabbits on (a) normal diet and (b) atherogenic diet. Increased connective tissue synthesis was found in 3 different sections of the aorta and in the pulmonary artery of rabbits on the atherogenic diet. The inferior vena cava showed no difference between the two groups. Regional variation in connective tissue synthesis was found in both normal and atherosclerotic animals, the vessels associated with the greatest degree of pulsatile distention in vivo having the greatest synthesis and the inferior vena cava, a low pressure, low distention vessel having the lowest synthesis. It is concluded that the atherogenic process includes stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis. It is suggested that in addition to the effect of pressure on connective tissue synthesis, pulsatile distention may be a factor in synthesis and may be related to lesion formation.