Static mechanical properties of the developing and mature rat aorta.

The static mechanical properties of the aorta have been examined in rats, aged between 4 weeks and 2 years. Internal radius, relative wall thickness, circumferential incremental strain, and circumferential incremental elastic modulus have been measured at pressures between 1.33 and 33.3 kPa (10 and 250 mm Hg). The results show that the value of the incremental elastic modulus does not change after 12 weeks. Changes observed in younger animals are related to alterations in relative wall thickness. The findings correlate with previously observed chemical and morphological changes. Studies of muscle function indicate that the smooth muscle of the media does not contribute significantly to the static elastic properties of the vessel wall.