Figure 2.

In situ zymography for MMPs (A1), alizarin red staining for calcium (A2) and VVG staining for elastin (fibers stained black) (A3) for aortic samples 30 days after injury. In situ zymography confirmed the high activity of MMPs (-9 and-2). Alizarin red confirmed calcification in the media and adventitia. VVG showed the elastin damage. (B) NP accumulation after intravenous injection of EL-NP-DIR, 30 days after injury at the site of elastin damage (squares show sections of the abdominal aorta where CaCl₂ was applied); image taken 24 hrs after injection. (C) Organ distribution of fluorescent NPs 24 hrs after injection of EL-NP-DIR. (D) Cross-section of abdominal aorta showing NPs (EL-NP-DIR) targeting from the adventitial side and accumulating more in the degraded elastic lamina; DIR fluorescence (purple) and elastin (green autofluorescence). * indicates lumen.