Effects of loading during fetal development on elastic fiber structure and mechanics

The structure and mechanical properties of elastic fibers purified from fetal and adult bovine aortae and nuchal ligaments were analyzed. The investigation of mechanical contribution of immature elastin crosslinks was carried out by testing samples following NaBH₄-stabilization of immature, thermally labile crosslinks. It was observed that structural changes occurred in the ligament near-term, which enhanced its ability to maintain isometric tension at high temperatures. It was found that there was no difference in the mechanical and thermoelastic behavior of NaBH ₄-reduced elastic fibers, when compared with the control tissues.