Abstract
Background
The CX3C chemokine receptor CX3CR1 is expressed on monocytes as well as tissue resident cells, such as smooth muscle cells ( SMCs). Its role in atherosclerotic tissue remodeling of the aorta after transplantation has not been investigated.
Methods
We here have orthotopically transplanted infrarenal Cx3cr1(-/-) Apoe(-/-) and Cx3cr1(+/+) Apoe(-/-)aortic segments into Apoe(-/-) mice, as well as Apoe(-/-) aortic segments into Cx3cr1(-/-) Apoe(-/-)mice. The intimal plaque size and cellular plaque composition of the transplanted aortic segment were analyzed after four weeks of atherogenic diet.
Results
Transplantation of Cx3cr(-/-) Apoe(-/-) aortic segments into Apoe(-/-) mice resulted in reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation compared to plaque size in Apoe(-/-) or Cx3cr1(-/-) Apoe(-/-) mice after transplantation of Apoe(-/-) aortas. This reduction in lesion formation was associated with reduced numbers of lesional SMCs but not macrophages within the transplanted Cx3cr(-/-) Apoe(-/-) aortic segment. No differences in frequencies of proliferating and apoptotic cells could be observed.
Conclusion
These results indicate that CX3CR1 on resident vessel wall cells plays a key role in atherosclerotic plaque formation in transplanted aortic grafts. Targeting of vascular CX3CL1/ CX3CR1 may therefore be explored as a therapeutic option in vascular transplantation procedures.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 0170644 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | PLOS ONE |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 24 Feb 2017 |
Keywords
- SMOOTH-MUSCLE-CELLS
- ALLOGRAFT-REJECTION
- LESION FORMATION
- GROWTH-FACTOR
- MOUSE MODELS
- FRACTALKINE
- CX(3)CR1
- MICE
- ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
- ATHEROGENESIS