Hemoglobin directs macrophage differentiation and prevents foam cell formation in human atherosclerotic plaques.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine selective macrophage differentiation occurring in areas of intraplaque hemorrhage in human atherosclerosis.

Background

Macrophage subsets are recognized in atherosclerosis, but the stimulus for and importance of differentiation programs remain unknown.

Methods

We used freshly isolated human monocytes, a rabbit model, and human atherosclerotic plaques to analyze macrophage differentiation in response to hemorrhage.

Results

Macrophages characterized by high expression of both mannose and CD163 receptors preferentially exist in atherosclerotic lesions at sites of intraplaque hemorrhage. These hemoglobin (Hb)-stimulated macrophages, M(Hb), are devoid of neutral lipids typical of foam cells. In vivo modeling of hem

SUBMITTER: Finn AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3253238 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature