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Document Details : Title: Vascular smooth muscle cell remodelling in elastase-induced aortic aneurysm Author(s): L. Jiao , Z. Xu , F. Xu , S. Zhang , K. Wu Journal: Acta Cardiologica Volume: 65 Issue: 5 Date: 2010 Pages: 499-506 DOI: 10.2143/AC.65.5.2056235 Abstract : Objective — The objective of this study was to identify developmental changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) during aneurysm formation using an elastase-induced rabbit carotid artery aneurysm model. Methods — Aneurysms were induced in carotid arteries of rabbits by exposure to elastase. Tissues from developing aneurysms were isolated at various time points for histological, immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analysis. Results — During aneurysm growth, the vascular media became thinner and elastic fibres became fragmented. The expression of smooth muscle marker SM22α and cytoskeleton proteins (SM α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin) expression was decreased while platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was increased, which correlated with a remodelling of VSMC from contractile to synthetic functions. Conclusion — During the development of aneurysm, despite the induction of apoptosis, VSMC undergoes a remodelling from a contractile phenotype to a synthetic phenotype as a potential repair mechanism. Further studies may reveal the causative effects between these events. |
