Chronic Administration of Minoxidil Protects Elastic Fibers and Stimulates Their Neosynthesis with Improvement of the Aorta Mechanics in Mice

The study investigated the effects of chronic oral administration of minoxidil on the abdominal aorta structure and function in adult and aged male and female mice over 3 months. Minoxidil treatment preserved the integrity of elastic lamellae and stimulated the formation of new elastic fibers in aged mice. This resulted in decreased pulse pressure and improved arterial biomechanical properties, particularly in female mice, who showed increased aortic distensibility and decreased rigidity. The findings suggested that minoxidil could reverse some adverse effects of arterial aging and might be useful for female-targeted anti-arterial aging therapies.