Th17 cells and IL-17 are involved in the disruption of vulnerable plaques triggered by short-term combination stimulation in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice.

ABSTRACT: Considerable evidence indicates that type 1 T helper (Th1)- and Th17-mediated immune responses promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques while that CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a protective effect. However, the functions of diverse CD4(+) lymphocyte subsets in plaque rupture remain poorly understood because of a shortage of satisfactory plaque rupture models. Here, we established a murine model of atherosclerotic plaque rupture using a high-fat diet and collar placement on the carotid artery, and triggered plaque rupture by short-term stimulation with a combination of lipopolysaccharide, phenylephrine injection and cold in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice. We investigated the associations between Th1 cells, Th17 cells and Tregs and plaque rupture b

SUBMITTER: Ma T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4003212 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature