Beta2 integrins modulate the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Beta2 integrin-mediated adhesion is thought to be a key event in cardiovascular disease. However, results of clinical trials targeting these molecules have been disappointing. Here, we investigated the effect of inactivation of beta2 integrins at different stages of atherosclerosis by timed bone marrow transplantation (BMT) of CD18(-/-) cells in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR(-/-)) mice.

Methods and results

Early BMT before fatty streak formation revealed a short-term protective effect of CD18 (34% atherosclerotic lesion reduction). Once fatty streak lesions had developed (5-week atherogenic diet) before BMT, beta2 integrin expression did not affect lesion progression. However, after the establishment of more mature lesions (pre-feeding mice the atherog

SUBMITTER: Merched A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2819833 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature