Age Dependence of the Cardiac Lesions Induced by Minoxidil in Rats

The study investigated the age dependence of cardiac lesions induced by minoxidil in rats. The results showed that older rats were more susceptible to the cardiotoxic effects of minoxidil than younger rats. The frequency and severity of the various components of the lesions showed a progressive increase in the older animals. Minoxidil caused myocardial hemorrhage and arteriolar lesions in rats, with older rats being more susceptible to these effects. The study suggests that multiple factors, including changes in drug disposition, metabolism, and excretion, as well as age-related changes in the myocardium, could contribute to the increased sensitivity of older animals to the drug's effects.