Some Characteristics of Intimal Folds in the Rabbit Aorta

Abstract

A stereomicroscopic study of fresh rabbit aorta has shown that the intimal folds form a special pattern which reappears when the aorta is relaxed after stretching. The pattern of intimal folds seems to be adapted to and may be the result of continuously repeated movements of the vessel wall. This supports the view hat intimal folds are present in vivo.

The Circumferential Length of the Internal Elastic Membrane Measured by Computer Digitizer Morphometry, and Its Relation to in vivo Aorta Diameter

“…The internal elastic membrane (IEM) subserves these folds [Svendsen and Jorgensen, 1977;Svendsen, 1980] and they seem to be pre sent at both systolic and diastolic distensions of the aorta. Other authors using different techniques have corroborated their possible existence in vivo [Crawford et al, 1976;Shimamoto et al, 1969;Chisolm et al, 1973;Svendsen, 1982;Tindall and Svend sen, 1982]. Nevertheless, several workers have reported that, at physiololgical pressures, folds are not present [Clark and Glagov, 1976;Swinehart et al, 1976;Davies and Bowyer, 1975].…”