REGULATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR COLLAGEN DEPOSITION BY MECHANICAL FORCES

Collagen is a vital component of the extracellular matrix of both the heart and blood vessel walls. It acts as a scaffold to maintain in myo cardial shape and permit an even distribution of force and plays a cru cial role in the mechanical properties of the blood vessels. Under nor mal circumstances, collagen is continually being synthesized and degra ded through life. Increased mechanical stress, which causes myocardial hypertrophy adn vessel was thickening, stimulates collagen turnover. If collagen is deposited in excess (fibrosis), tissue function can be compromised. An understanding of mechanisms of 'mechanosignal transduc tion' involved in this process will enable therapeutic approaches to b e devised that will prevent inappropriate collagen deposition and ther eby help to preserve function.