Inhibition of inositol monophosphatase by lithium chloride induces selective macrophage apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaques.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Lithium chloride (LiCl) inhibits inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) at therapeutic concentrations. Given that LiCl induces death in cultured macrophages and that macrophages play an active role in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, we investigated whether LiCl would induce selective macrophage death to stabilize the structure of the plaque.

Experimental approach

The effect of LiCl was assessed on macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in culture, in isolated atherosclerotic carotid arteries from rabbits and after local in vivo treatment via osmotic minipumps to rabbits with collared atherosclerotic carotid arteries. In addition, in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism of LiCl-induced macrophage death.

Key results

I

SUBMITTER: De Meyer I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3058172 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature