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Intravital Microscopy of Monocyte Homing and Tumor-Related Angiogenesis in a Murine Model of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Published on: August 26, 2017
[Pathway for macrophage invasion into the tunica media and the intima in vein graft]
Xiao-qiong Wu1, Wei-jun Cai, Xue-gang Luo
1Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
Objective:
To test whether the macrophages in vein grafts may invade into the vascular wall from the adventitia apart from the lumen.
Methods:
Expression of CD68 (a marker of macrophage) and CD31 (a marker of endothelial cells) in 30 vein grafts were detected by confocal immunofluroscence. Images were processed with Silicon Graphics Octane.
Results:
In normal veins, there were a few CD68 positive cells in the adventitia, but few CD68 positive cells were found in the media and the intima. In the diseased vein, CD68 positive cells were significantly increased and present in all layers of the vascular wall, the adventitia, media and intima, extending from the adventitia to the media. There was a close relationship between the penetration of CD68 positive cells into the media from the adventitia and the angiogenesis in the media.
Conclusion:
The adventitia may be an important pathway for macrophage invasion.
Insights
Macrophages invade vein graft walls through the adventitia, not just the lumen. This study reveals the adventitia as a key pathway for macrophage infiltration in diseased vein grafts, impacting angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Tissue engineering
Background:
- Vein grafts are prone to intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis.
- Macrophage infiltration is implicated in vascular graft disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate macrophage invasion pathways into vein graft vascular walls.
- To determine if macrophages infiltrate from the adventitia into the deeper layers.
Main Methods:
- Confocal immunofluorescence was used to detect CD68 (macrophage marker) and CD31 (endothelial cell marker).
- 30 vein graft samples were analyzed.
- Image processing was performed using Silicon Graphics Octane.
Main Results:
- Normal veins showed few macrophages in the adventitia, with minimal presence in media and intima.
- Diseased vein grafts exhibited significantly increased macrophages (CD68+) throughout all vascular layers (adventitia, media, intima).
- Macrophage penetration from the adventitia into the media correlated with increased angiogenesis within the media.
Conclusions:
- The adventitia serves as a significant pathway for macrophage invasion into vein grafts.
- Adventitial macrophage infiltration may contribute to neovascularization in diseased vein grafts.
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