Age-related changes in the position of centrosomes in endothelial cells of the rabbit aorta.

The position of centrosomes in endothelial cells (EC) lining the aorta was examined in rabbits at different ages, using en face preparations and immunofluorescent staining with a serum that specifically labels centrioles. The results obtained show that in young rabbits (4 h-6 weeks) the great majority of the EC (61%) had centrosomes on the heart side of the nucleus, whereas in older rabbits (6-156 weeks) only 41% of the EC had centrosomes oriented toward the heart. The results suggest that the orientation of structures normally associated with centrosomes such as the microtubule organizing centers and the Golgi apparatus also change with age. The change in the orientation of centrosomes and associated structures along the longitudinal axis of the cell with age could affect the function and behaviour of EC and their ability to respond to injury.