Endothelial-specific Nox2 overexpression increases vascular superoxide and macrophage recruitment in ApoE⁻/⁻ mice.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Vascular disease states are associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased production of reactive oxygen species derived from NADPH oxidases. However, it remains unclear whether a primary increase in superoxide production specifically in the endothelium alters the initiation or progression of atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Mice overexpressing Nox2 specifically in the endothelium (Nox2-Tg) were crossed with ApoE(-/-) mice to produce Nox2-Tg ApoE(-/-) mice and ApoE(-/-) littermates. Endothelial overexpression of Nox2 in ApoE(-/-) mice did not alter blood pressure, but significantly increased vascular superoxide production compared with ApoE(-/-) littermates, measured using both lucigenin chemiluminescence and 2-hydroxyethidium production (ApoE(-/-), 19.9 ± 6.

SUBMITTER: Douglas G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3307381 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature