archives@tulane.edu / Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is characterized by the descent of the pelvic organs due to the loss of pelvic support. The underlying mechanism leading to POP is unknown. However, age is a known risk factor for POP, and location and microstructural composition are both associated with prolapse. How the passive biaxial mechanical properties of the vagina change with age as well as between the anterior and posterior vaginal wall are not well-established. Additionally, the extent to which elastic fiber content disruption contributes to prolapse is unknown. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanical properties of the murine vagina as a function of age, location, and elastic fiber composition. A planar biaxial mechanical testing protocol evaluated mechanical properties of vaginal tissue from three age groups and the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. Additionally, histological analysis and opening angle measurements were performed on normal and elastase-treated tissues to determine the effect of elastic fiber disruption on mechanical function. Evaluation of mechanical changes within individual age groups showed that material stiffness was higher in the axial direction compared to the circumferential direction within the youngest age group but not in the older age groups. This may suggest that microstructural remodeling occurred that resulted in a comparable stiffness in both directions, thus, reducing the physiologic anisotropy of the tissue. As anisotropy is important for vaginal mechanohomeostasis, a disruption of this homeostasis may contribute to the increased prevalence of prolapse with age. Further, the posterior vaginal wall demonstrated a greater material stiffness compared to the anterior wall. However, prior worked suggests that increased stiffness is associated with prolapse and that anterior prolapse is more prevalent than posterior prolapse. Regional microstructural differences may be responsible for this disparity in material stiffness and may explain the increased susceptibility of the anterior vaginal wall to prolapse. Finally, elastin area fraction and mechanical function displayed a positive correlation suggesting that elastic fiber disruption directly affects mechanical properties. The data presented may improve clinical efficacy in POP treatment by elucidating relationships between POP risk factors and mechanical properties of the vagina. / 1 / Rachel Russell
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TULANE/oai:http://digitallibrary.tulane.edu/:tulane_120400 |
| Date | January 2020 |
| Contributors | Russell, Rachel (author), Miller, Kristin S (Thesis advisor), School of Science & Engineering Biomedical Engineering (Degree granting institution) |
| Publisher | Tulane University |
| Source Sets | Tulane University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | electronic, pages: 111 |
| Rights | No embargo, Copyright is in accordance with U.S. Copyright law. |
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