Fig. 1. CPP1, but not CPP2, induces arterial stiffness ex vivo.
Aortic segments (from the thoracic descending aorta and the abdominal infrarenal aorta) were incubated with 150 µg/mL [Ca2+]CPP for 24 h in the ROTSAC. A Pressure-diameter tracings, recorded 24 h after CPP exposure in the organ baths. B After 24 h, the stiffness of the infrarenal aorta at physiological pressures (80–120 mmHg, diastolic and systolic pressure) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased after CPP1, but not CPP2 exposure. Whereas there was no change in C diameter after CPP1 exposure, the pressure-stiffness relationship was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in aortic tissue from both the D thoracic descending and E abdominal infrarenal aorta. F–I There were no changes in basal biomechanical properties of aortic tissue after CPP2 incubation. n = 9 (except for F; CPP2-infrarenal aorta; n = 7). Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way mixed ANOVA with a Sidak post hoc test for multiple comparisons. *p < 0.05. Error bars represent standard error of the mean (SEM). CPP1 Primary calciprotein particle, CPP2 Secondary calciprotein particle, D0 Diastolic Diameter, Ep Peterson’s Modulus.