Melanocortin 1 Receptor Deficiency in Hematopoietic Cells Promotes the Expansion of Inflammatory Leukocytes in Atherosclerotic Mice.

ABSTRACT: Melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1-R) is expressed in leukocytes, where it mediates anti-inflammatory actions. We have previously observed that global deficiency of MC1-R signaling perturbs cholesterol homeostasis, increases arterial leukocyte accumulation and accelerates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout (Apoe^-/-) mice. Since various cell types besides leukocytes express MC1-R, we aimed at investigating the specific contribution of leukocyte MC1-R to the development of atherosclerosis. For this purpose, male Apoe^-/- mice were irradiated, received bone marrow from either female Apoe^-/- mice or MC1-R deficient Apoe^-/- mice (Apoe^-/- Mc1r^e/e) and were analyzed for tissue leukocyte profiles and atherosclerotic plaque phenot

SUBMITTER: Kadiri JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8640177 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature