Complex pathologies of angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms

J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2011 Aug;12(8):624-8. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B1101002.

Abstract

Angiotensin II (AngII) is the primary bioactive peptide of the renin angiotensin system that plays a critical role in many cardiovascular diseases. Subcutaneous infusion of AngII into mice induces the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Like human AAAs, AngII-induced AAA tissues exhibit progressive changes and considerable heterogeneity. This complex pathology provides an impediment to the quantification of aneurysmal tissue composition by biochemical and immunostaining techniques. Therefore, while the mouse model of AngII-induced AAAs provides a salutary approach to studying the mechanisms of the evolution of AAAs in humans, meaningful interpretation of mechanisms requires consideration of the heterogeneous nature of the diseased tissue.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / etiology*
  • Connective Tissue / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Renin-Angiotensin System
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Angiotensin II