Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-C is Up-Regulated in the Intima of Advanced Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C/NPR-3) is a cell surface protein involved in vascular remodelling that is up-regulated in atherosclerosis. NPR-C expression has not been well characterized in human carotid artery occlusive lesions. We hypothesized that NPR-C expression correlates with intimal features of vulnerable atherosclerotic carotid artery plaque.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we evaluated NPR-C expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens isolated from 18 patients. The grade, location, and co-localization of NPR-C in CEA specimens were evaluated using two tissue analysis techniques.

Results

Relative to minimally diseased CEA specimens, we observed avid NPR-C tissue staining in the intima of maximally disea

SUBMITTER: Zayed MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4989919 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature