# EFFECTS OF AGING ON CEREBRAL BLOOD VESSELS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 1992 · $147,615

## Abstract

Studies are proposed to examine effects of aging on cerebral blood
vessels. The goals are to examine  mechanisms and consequences of
impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation during aging, and to
examine structural changes in cerebral blood vessels during aging.
Studies are also planned to determine whether functional changes of
cerebral vessels during aging are reversible. Several hypotheses will be
tested.

First, studies are proposed to examine mechanisms of impairment of
endothelium-dependent relaxation in cerebral arterioles in vivo. An in
vivo bioassay will be used to test the hypothesis that release of
endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is impaired by aging. Two
approaches are proposed to attempt to restore endothelium-dependent
responses to normal in old rats. First, 1-arginine will be applied
topically to cerebral arterioles. If synthesis of nitric oxide, which is
a major EDRF in the basilar artery, is related to a deficiency of
substrate, topical administration of 1-arginine may improve endothelium-
dependent responses in aged rats. Second, antioxidants will be
administered. Responses to EDRF are inhibited by oxygen radicals, which
may be generated during aging. Studies are planned to determine whether
acute administration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, or
chronic administration of PEG SOD, will improve endothelium-dependent
relaxation in odd rats.

Second, studies are proposed to test the hypothesis that flow-mediated
dilatation of cerebral blood vessels is impaired by aging, and that is
defect may predispose impaired perfusion of the cerebrum. If responses
are impaired, studies are planned to determine whether they can be
improved by acute or chronic administration of antioxidants.

Third, smooth muscle in cerebral arterioles undergoes atrophy during
aging. Studies are planned to determine whether reduction in pulse
pressure may contribute to arteriolar atrophy during aging, and whether
reduction of arteriolar mass is sufficient to impair vasoconstrictor and
vasodilator responses.

The students have considerable potential significance. If the
abnormality in endothelium-dependent mechanisms can be identified, and
reversed with 1-arginine or scavengers of oxygen radicals, it may be
possible to correct an important vascular abnormality of aging.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3122233
- **Project number:** 1R01AG010269-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** Z1H9VJS8NG16
- **Principal Investigator:** DONALD D HEISTAD
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $147,615
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1992-06-01 → 1997-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3122233

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3122233, EFFECTS OF AGING ON CEREBRAL BLOOD VESSELS (1R01AG010269-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3122233. Licensed CC0.

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