The CCR5 chemokine receptor mediates vasoconstriction and stimulates intimal hyperplasia in human vessels in vitro.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

The chemokine receptor CCR5 and its inflammatory ligands have been linked to atherosclerosis, an accelerated form of which occurs in saphenous vein graft disease. We investigated the function of vascular smooth muscle CCR5 in human coronary artery and saphenous vein, vascular tissues susceptible to atherosclerosis, and vasospasm.

Methods and results

CCR5 ligands were vasoconstrictors in saphenous vein and coronary artery. In vein, constrictor responses to CCL4 were completely blocked by CCR5 antagonists, including maraviroc. CCR5 antagonists prevented the development of a neointima after 14 days in cultured saphenous vein. CCR5 and its ligands were expressed in normal and diseased coronary artery and saphenous vein and localized to medial and intimal smooth muscle, endo

SUBMITTER: Maguire JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3928001 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature