Fig. 2.

Mechanical contributions of elastin and collagen in the mouse carotid artery. Diameter–pressure (a) and circumferential stretch ratio–Cauchy stress (b) relationships are shown. Arteries were untreated or treated with elastase or collagenase to digest elastin or collagen, respectively, and then mounted in a pressure myograph. Elastase treated arteries dilate at low pressures and then become very stiff at high pressures, while collagenase treated arteries show little change at low pressures and dilate at high pressures, becoming less stiff. The results are consistent with the idea that elastin and collagen dominate the circumferential mechanical behavior at low and high pressures, respectively. N = 6–8/group. Mean ± SEM.