Studies on the Mechanism of the Age-Related Change in Swelling Ability of Human Myocardium

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that human myocardium loses its ability to swell at pH 11.2 with increasing age. This investigation indicated that the age-related difference does not exist at the subcellular level or after treatment with collagenase. Swelling did not correlate well with myofiber size or acid and base binding capacity. It was concluded that the increased rigidity with age is due to the development of a more rigid intercellular collagenous connective tissue.