Figure 2.

Experimental model set up. Circulating milieu-related aortic stiffness was assessed in aorta rings following 1) 48-h incubation in mouse or human serum in media. Following serum exposure, aortic elastic modulus was 2) measured on a pin myograph and 3) calculated from a stress-strain curve. Circulating milieu-related vascular endothelial function was assessed in common carotid arteries following 1) 24 h of intraluminal perfusion with mouse or human serum in Krebs media. Carotid arteries were 2) maintained in a bath of 5% CO₂ gas-infused Krebs media that was displaced using a peristaltic pump. Carotid arteries were heat controlled (37°C) and pressurized (50–55 mmHG; not shown). 3) Vascular endothelial function was measured via endothelium-dependent and -independent dilation in a pressure culture myograph. Figure created with Photoshop.