Melanocortin 1 Receptor Signaling Regulates Cholesterol Transport in Macrophages.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1-R) is expressed by monocytes and macrophages, where it exerts anti-inflammatory actions on stimulation with its natural ligand α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The present study was designed to investigate the specific role of MC1-R in the context of atherosclerosis and possible regulatory pathways of MC1-R beyond anti-inflammation.

Methods

Human and mouse atherosclerotic samples and primary mouse macrophages were used to study the regulatory functions of MC1-R. The impact of pharmacological MC1-R activation on atherosclerosis was assessed in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Results

Characterization of human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques revealed that MC1-R expression localizes in lesional macrophages and is significant

SUBMITTER: Rinne P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5518461 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature