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Relation between endothelial cell apoptosis and blood flow direction in human atherosclerotic plaques

O Tricot1, Z Mallat, C Heymes

  • 1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM U541, Institut Fédératif de Recherche "Circulation," Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France.

Circulation
|June 1, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Endothelial cell apoptosis in human atherosclerosis primarily occurs downstream of plaques where blood flow and shear stress are low. This finding suggests shear stress influences plaque erosion and thrombosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Endothelial Cell Biology
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Blood flow dynamics critically impact endothelial cell apoptosis.
  • The specific role of endothelial cell apoptosis in human atherosclerosis and its correlation with blood flow remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and localization of endothelial cell apoptosis in human atherosclerotic plaques.
  • To determine the relationship between blood flow characteristics, specifically shear stress, and endothelial cell apoptosis in atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 42 human carotid atherosclerotic plaques obtained via endarterectomy.
  • Immunohistochemical analysis using CD31, Ki-67, and splicing factor antibodies.
  • In situ detection of apoptosis using terminal dUTP nick-end labeling and ligase assay.

Main Results:

  • Endothelial cell apoptosis was observed in 8 out of 13 processed plaques.
  • Apoptosis predominantly occurred in the downstream regions of plaques (18.8%) compared to upstream regions (2.7%).
  • Apoptotic endothelial cells were rarely detected in plaque microvessels.

Conclusions:

  • Local shear stress in vivo significantly influences luminal endothelial cell apoptosis.
  • Shear stress may be a key factor in the progression of plaque erosion and thrombosis.
Abstract

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