AGE-RELATED MORPHOLOGICAL REMODELING OF CARDIAC MUSCLE FIBERS AND CAPILLARY NETWORKS: A COMPARATIVE HISTOLOGICAL STUDY

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Aging exerts a profound influence on cardiovascular morphology and function. Cardiac aging is characterized by structural remodeling, including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and changes in microvascular architecture. This comparative histological study investigates age-related morphological alterations in cardiac muscle fibers and capillary networks using juvenile, adult, and aged rat models. Using Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and CD31 immunostaining, we quantified changes in myocyte diameter, collagen deposition, capillary density, and vascular-to-myocyte ratios. Our findings demonstrate progressive cellular hypertrophy, increased fibrotic remodeling, and significant capillary rarefaction with aging. These histological changes have critical implications for age-related cardiac dysfunction and highlight the importance of vascular preservation in mitigating myocardial degeneration.