Age is a risk factor for maladaptive changes of the pulmonary root in rats exposed to increased pressure loading

The pulmonary artery wall seems to present maladaptive architectural changes in the media when exposed to systemic pressure. The PAB-related increase of the apoptotic index seems to reflect an accelerated involution of the pulmonary root's media. The physiologic higher degree of elastic fibers disarray in adult rats can possibly influence the worst adaptation of the pulmonary arterial wall to a systemic pressure load.