Elastin is increased in abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The decrease in elastin concentration in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has been ascribed to elastolysis. The discordant response of the elastin and collagen genes in AAA suggests a different explanation: dilution of elastin because of higher levels of synthesis of collagen and other matrix proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine circumferential content of elastin, collagen, and total protein in aneurysmal (AAA), atherosclerotic, and normal (NL) infrarenal aorta. Standard serial extraction techniques of complete 1-cm rings of midinfrarenal aortic tissue were used to remove soluble protein, calcium, and lipids. Hydroxyproline (collagen), desmosine/isodesmosine (elastin), and total amino acid (total protein) content were determined by amino acid analysis. Means values (+/- SEM) were compared by ANOVA. Circumferential content of desmosine/isodesmosine was increased 2.5-fold in AAA compared to NL (P < 0.05). Collagen and total protein were increased 5.7- and 4.7-fold, respectively (P < 0.05). There was a high degree of correlation between circumference and collagen content (r = 0.89). These data demonstrate that significant synthesis of matrix proteins accompanies aortic dilatation. While both elastin and collagen are increased, there is a much greater increase in circumferential collagen content than elastin content. These data do not preclude proteolysis as a factor in AAA but suggest that the decrease in elastin concentration results from dilution of elastin by a greater increase in the synthesis of other matrix proteins and that synthesis is an important factor in AAA formation.