Publication
Title
P2Y receptors and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Author
Abstract
Background and purpose: P2Y nucleotide receptors are involved in the regulation of vascular tone, smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and inflammatory responses. The present study investigated whether they are involved in atherosclerosis. Experimental approach: mRNA of P2Y receptors was quantified (RT-PCR) in atherosclerotic and plaque-free aorta segments of apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE/) mice. Macrophage activation was assessed in J774 macrophages, and effects of non-selective purinoceptor antagonists on atherosclerosis were evaluated in cholesterol-fed apoE/ mice. Key results: P2Y6 receptor mRNA was consistently elevated in segments with atherosclerosis, whereas P2Y2 receptor expression remained unchanged. Expression of P2Y1 or P2Y4 receptor mRNA was low or undetectable, and not influenced by atherosclerosis. P2Y6 mRNA expression was higher in cultured J774 macrophages than in cultured aortic SMCs. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of plaques demonstrated P2Y6-positive macrophages, but few SMCs, suggesting that macrophage recruitment accounted for the increase in P2Y6 receptor mRNA during atherosclerosis. In contrast to ATP, the P2Y6-selective agonist UDP increased mRNA expression and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin-6 in J774 macrophages; this effect was blocked by suramin (100300 µM) or pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2'-4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS, 1030 µM). Finally, 4-week treatment of cholesterol-fed apoE/ mice with suramin or PPADS (50 and 25 mg·kg−1·day−1 respectively) reduced plaque size, without changing plaque composition (relative SMC and macrophage content) or cell replication. Conclusions and implications: These results suggest involvement of nucleotide receptors, particularly P2Y6 receptors, during atherosclerosis, and warrant further research with selective purinoceptor antagonists or P2Y6 receptor-deficient mice.
Language
English
Source (journal)
British journal of pharmacology. - London
Publication
London : 2010
ISSN
0007-1188
DOI
10.1111/J.1476-5381.2009.00497.X
Volume/pages
159 :2 (2010) , p. 326-336
ISI
000273991100006
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 29.03.2010
Last edited 23.08.2022
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