Analysis of Collagen Fibril Structure in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are characterized by remodeling of the elastin and collagen components of the extracellular matrix. While both collagen and elastin remodeling dictate aortic function, little is known about microstructural changes regarding collagen remodeling. This study focuses on identifying characteristics of collagen remodeling in AAA which can be applied towards determining new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. AAA tissue was obtained from mouse and human specimens. Collagen degradation was analyzed by staining the samples with collagen hybridizing peptide (CHP). Atomic force microscopy was used to determine structural differences in collagen fibrils in regions with or without CHP staining. Understanding the structural features of collagen and its distribution in AAA can provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.