Smooth muscle LDL receptor-related protein-1 inactivation reduces vascular reactivity and promotes injury-induced neointima formation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Defective smooth muscle expression of LDL receptor-related protein-1 (Lrp1) increases atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice. This study explored the importance of smooth muscle Lrp1 expression under normolipidemic conditions.

Methods and results

Smooth muscle cells isolated from control (smLrp1(+/+)) and smooth muscle-specific Lrp1 knockout (smLrp1(-/-)) mice were characterized based on morphology, smooth muscle marker protein expression levels, and growth rates in vitro. Vascular functions were assessed by aortic constrictive response to agonist stimulation in situ and neointimal hyperplasia to carotid arterial injury in vivo. The smLrp1(-/-) smooth muscle cells displayed reduced alpha-actin and calponin expression and an accelerated growth rate attribtuabl

SUBMITTER: Basford JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2766037 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature