Relaxin and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study determined whether relaxin or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 influences angiotensin II (AngII)-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

Methods and results

Male C57BL/6 or apolipoprotein E^-/-mice were infused with AngII with or without relaxin. Relaxin did not influence AngII-induced AAA in either mouse strain. Infusion of AngII reduced, but relaxin increased, MMP-9 mRNA in macrophages. We then determined the effects of MMP-9 deficiency on AAA in apolipoprotein E^-/-mice. MMP-9 deficiency led to AAA formation in the absence of AngII, and augmented AngII-induced aortic rupture and AAA incidence.

Conclusions

MMP-9 deficiency augmented AngII-induced AAA.

SUBMITTER: Howatt DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5964022 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature