Links between the Orientation of Vascular Smooth Muscle and Microscopical Composition of Aortic Segments

Abstract

We analyzed histological data statistically describing the distribution of orientations of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) within porcine aorta. The data were correlated with the fractions of actin, desmin, vimentin, elastin and collagen within the same samples. In samples with more contractile VSMC and less elastin, the symmetrical helices of VSMC were arranged closely to each other and they were more concentrated than in samples with fewer actin-and desmin-positive VSMC and more elastin. The findings are suitable for microstructurally-motivated biomechanical modeling of porcine aorta under normal conditions.