Lysyl Oxidase Inhibition Is Responsible for the Vascular Elastic Fiber Phenotype

Abstract

To the Editor: In the July issue of Hypertension , Mercier et al1 demonstrated a rat model in which the structural vascular phenotype is modified in response to amine oxidase inhibition by semicarbazide. Under these conditions, the elastic lamellae presented globular masses along their periphery, and focal disorganization was observed in the ascending aorta. Immunoconfocal microscopy demonstrated branching of elastic lamellae and a sparse hairy aspect of some elastic fibers after amine oxidase inhibition. Because the above-described abnormalities are not found in semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase–deficient mice, the authors conclude …