Abstract:Aim To observe the morphological changes in vascular aging-related remodeling,and p16INK4a,p21cip1 gene expression associated with senescence in healthy rats during natural aging. Methods Aortic structure and microstructure changes of vascular endothelial cell in 4,10,16,24 months old rats were observed respectively,and the expressions of p16INK4a,p21cip1 protein were determined by Western-Blotting in the same periods. Results With aging,aorta wall thickened,fibrosis degree increased,endothelial cells appeared flattened and enlarged. The protein expressions of p16INK4a,p21cip1 were increased in vascular aging-related remodeling,which suggests that p16INK4a,p21cip1 activity may play an important role in regulating vascular senescence lifespan in vitro. Conclusion Vascular aging has its specific structural alterations,one of its molecular mechanisms might be associated with increasing the expression level of p16INK4a,p21cip1 with aging. Further elucidating its underlying mechanism may provide theoretical basis for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.