Age-Related Changes in the Expression of ICAM-1 in the Aorta of Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

ICAM-1 which is expressed by endothelial cells and leukocytes are observed as first markers in diseases such as transplant rejection, diabetes and atherosclerosis and in infections caused by various pathogens. In the present study, it is aimed to reveal the age-related changes in the expression of ICAM-1 on rats. Therefore, a total of 30 albino rats were taken at the age of 6, 18 and 24 months without gender discrimination. Rats were fed with standard pellet feed during the study. Afterwards, rats were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected from their rats, and the samples were evaluated under the light microscope by staining with immnunohistochemical method. It was determined that the expression of both aortic endothelial cells and endothelial cells in the media layer had been significantly increased based on the age.