Smooth Muscle Cells Contribute the Majority of Foam Cells in ApoE (Apolipoprotein E)-Deficient Mouse Atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Objective- Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the most abundant cells in human atherosclerotic lesions and are suggested to contribute at least 50% of atheroma foam cells. In mice, SMCs contribute fewer total lesional cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of SMCs to total foam cells in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice, and the utility of these mice to model human SMC foam cell biology and interventions. Approach and Results- Using flow cytometry, foam cells in the aortic arch of ApoE^-/- mice were characterized based on the expression of leukocyte-specific markers. Nonleukocyte foam cells increased from 37% of total foam cells in 27-week-old to 75% in 57-week-old male ApoE^-/- mice fed a chow diet and were ≈70% in male and fe

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6482082 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature