Minoxidil alters extracellular matrix gene expression, improving vascular compliance and organ perfusion in a model of chronic vascular stiffness

Elastin insufficiency causes globally reduced caliber blood vessels and arterial stiffnesss that contribute to reduction of blood flow to end organs such as the brain. Treatment with minoxidil increases vessel caliber and blood flow. Samples were collected from 3 groups: untreated mice (n=4),    mice on minoxidil for 2 weeks (n=4) and those on drug for 2 weeks and off-drug for 1 week (n=4).