Thromb Haemost 2008; 99(02): 373-381
DOI: 10.1160/TH07-06-0387
Cardiovascular Biology and Cell Signalling
Schattauer GmbH

Subendothelial infiltration of neutrophil granulocytes and liberation of matrix-destabilizing enzymes in an experimental model of human neo-intima

Bernhard Dorweiler
1   Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
,
Michael Torzewski
2   Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
,
Manfred Dahm
1   Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
,
Charles James Kirkpatrick
3   Institute of Pathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
,
Karl J. Lackner
2   Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
,
Christian-Friedrich Vahl
1   Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
› Author Affiliations
Financial support: This study was supported in part by the Stiftung Rheinland-Pfalz fuer Innovation and the University of Mainz (MAIFOR) (to B.D.).
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 03 June 2007

Accepted after major revision: 02 January 2007

Publication Date:
24 November 2017 (online)

Summary

It was the objective of this study to examine the role of human neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) in an in-vitro model of human neo-intima developed for the study of atherosclerosis. Human granulocytes were subjected to a co-culture model of human endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Subendothelial lipid accumulation was achieved by addition of native LDL to the culture medium. Tissue samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and culture supernatants were examined for the presence of interleukin- 8 (IL-8), MCP-1, GRO-α, elastase and matrixmetalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8). Following addition of 2 mg/ml LDL, adherence, transmigration and infiltration depth of PMN was increased significantly when compared to controls. LDL challenging was paralleled by a time- and dose-dependent secretion of IL-8 from intimal smooth muscle cells. PMN infiltration was mediated by the IL-8-signalling pathway and accompanied by release of elastase and MMP-8 into the supernatant and induction of endothelial cell apoptosis. In conclusion, LDL-induced secretion of IL-8 by intimal smooth muscle cells provides a potential mechanism of PMN-recruitment into culprit lesions. The concomitant release of potent matrix-degrading enzymes and the induction of EC apoptosis may have implications for plaque destabilization and cardiovascular events.

 
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