[HTML][HTML] Genetically engineered resistance for MMP collagenases promotes abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in mice infused with angiotensin II
Clinical evidence links increased aortic collagen content and stiffness to abdominal aortic
aneurysm (AAA) formation. However, the possibility that excess collagen contributes to AAA
formation remains untested. We investigated the hypothesis that augmented collagen
promotes AAA formation, and employed apoE-null mice expressing collagenase-resistant
mutant collagen (Col R/R/apoE−/−), heterozygote (Col R/+/apoE−/−), or wild-type collagen
(Col+/+/apoE−/−) infused with angiotensin II to induce AAA. As expected, the aortas of Col …
aneurysm (AAA) formation. However, the possibility that excess collagen contributes to AAA
formation remains untested. We investigated the hypothesis that augmented collagen
promotes AAA formation, and employed apoE-null mice expressing collagenase-resistant
mutant collagen (Col R/R/apoE−/−), heterozygote (Col R/+/apoE−/−), or wild-type collagen
(Col+/+/apoE−/−) infused with angiotensin II to induce AAA. As expected, the aortas of Col …