Pioglitazone-induced reductions in atherosclerosis occur via smooth muscle cell-specific interaction with PPAR{gamma}.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ agonists attenuate atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). PPARγ, a nuclear receptor, is expressed on many cell types including smooth muscle cells (SMCs).

Objective

To determine whether a PPARγ agonist reduces angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced atherosclerosis and AAAs via interaction with SMC-specific PPARγ.

Methods and results

Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)(-/-) mice with SMC-specific PPARγ deficiency were developed using PPARγ floxed (PPARγ(f/f)) and SM22 Cre(+) mice. PPARγ(f/f) littermates were generated that did not express Cre (Cre(0/0)) or were hemizygous for Cre (Cre(+/0)). To assess the contribution of SMC-specific PPARγ in ligand-mediated attenuation of Ang II-induced atherosc

SUBMITTER: Subramanian V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2963621 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature