Publication
Title
Inhibition of inositol monophosphatase by lithium chloride induces selective macrophage apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaques
Author
Abstract
Background and purpose: Lithium chloride (LiCl) inhibits inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) at therapeutic concentrations. Given that LiCl induces death in cultured macrophages and that macrophages play an active role in atherosclerotic plaque destabilisation, we investigated whether LiCl would induce selective macrophage death to stabilise the structure of the plaque. Experimental approach: The effect of LiCl was assessed on macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in culture, in isolated atherosclerotic carotid arteries from rabbits and after local in vivo treatment via osmotic minipumps to rabbits with collared atherosclerotic carotid arteries. In addition, in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism of LiCl-induced macrophage death. Key results:In vitro, whereas SMCs were highly resistant, LiCl induced macrophage death characterised by externalisation of phosphatidylserine, caspase-3 cleavage and DNA fragmentation, all indicative of apoptosis. LiCl reduced inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate levels in macrophages. Moreover, the IMPase inhibitor L-690,330 as well as IMPase gene silencing induced macrophage apoptosis. Both in vitro treatment of rabbit atherosclerotic carotid arteries with LiCl and local in vivo administration of LiCl to the plaques decreased plaque macrophages through apoptosis, as shown by TUNEL, without affecting SMCs. Vasomotor studies in vitro showed that LiCl did not affect the functionality of SMCs and endothelial cells. Conclusions and implications: LiCl selectively decreased the macrophage load in rabbit atherosclerotic plaques via IMPase inhibition without affecting the viability or functionality of SMCs and endothelial cells. These data provide evidence for local administration of an IMPase inhibitor to stabilise atherosclerotic plaques.
Language
English
Source (journal)
British journal of pharmacology. - London
Publication
London : 2011
ISSN
0007-1188
Volume/pages
162 :6 (2011) , p. 1410-1423
ISI
000287583200017
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Selective clearance of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques via drug-induced cell death as a strategy for plaque stabilisation.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 02.02.2011
Last edited 15.11.2022
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