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The elevated expression of calcitonin receptor by cells recruited into the endothelial layer and neo-intima of atherosclerotic plaque

Histochemistry and Cell Biology volume 132, pages 181–189 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Calcitonin receptor-immunoreactive (CTR-ir) endothelial and foam cells were identified in atherosclerotic plaque within the abdominal and thoracic aortas of rabbits fed a cholesterol-supplemented diet. Initially, cells within the endothelial layers of nascent atherosclerotic plaque of arteries were also CD34-positive, a marker of precursor cells of the haematopoietic lineage. In a further rabbit model with more advanced cardiovascular disease, CTR-ir cells were located deeper within the plaque as well as within the endothelial layer overlying the neo-intima. Finally, in the third model, in which the 4-week period on the atherogenic diet was followed by a 12-week period of regression on a normal chow diet, during which serum cholesterol levels returned to the normal range, CTR-ir was markedly reduced in the stabilized fibrous cap of plaque. Thus, the expression of CTR is associated with the early cellular events involved in plaque formation and is down-regulated as stabilisation of plaque progresses in the process of healing.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council, National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Austin Hospital Medical Research Foundation.

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  1. Departments of Cardiology and Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Austin Campus, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia

    Peter J. Wookey, Anthony Zulli & David L. Hare

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  1. Peter J. Wookey
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  2. Anthony Zulli
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Correspondence to Peter J. Wookey.

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Wookey, P.J., Zulli, A. & Hare, D.L. The elevated expression of calcitonin receptor by cells recruited into the endothelial layer and neo-intima of atherosclerotic plaque. Histochem Cell Biol 132, 181–189 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-009-0600-6

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Keywords

  • Calcitonin receptor
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Cardiovascular disease