Logo Logo
Help
Contact
Switch Language to German

Rowinska, Zuzanna; Koeppel, Thomas A.; Sanati, Maryam; Schelzig, Hubert; Jankowski, Joachim; Weber, Christian; Zernecke, Alma and Liehn, Elisa A. (2017): Role of the CX3C chemokine receptor CX3CR1 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis after aortic transplantation.
In: PLOS One 12(2), e0170644 [PDF, 1MB]

[thumbnail of journal.pone.0170644.pdf]
Preview
Download (1MB)

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.

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item