STATIC ELASTIC MODULUS OF THE TURKEY AORTA.

Abstract

A method was described for the determination of the static elastic modulus for thoracic and abdominal aortas of the turkey. Love's equation was rearranged for calculation of the static elastic modulus as a function of volume. The elastic moduli of thoracic and abdominal aortas of untreated mature male Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys were in the neighborhood of 2.26 ± 0.11 and 9.55 ± 0.30 × 105 dynes/cm2 respectively in the normal physiological systolic blood pressure range. This difference became more pronounced at higher pressures. The data obtained support the concept that different connective tissue elements are primarily responsible for the elastic properties of arterial blood vessels at different pressure ranges. The addition of beta-amino-propionitrile (BAPN) to the ration tended to decrease, whereas the addition of ascorbic acid to the ration tended to elevate the elastic modulus. Reserpine fed in conjunction with BAPN in the ration did not correct the lowering action of BAPN on the elastic moduli of abdominal or thoracic aortas. Heat tended to elevate the elastic modulus of the aorta. Again, these effects became more significant at elevated pressures.