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The Rabbit Model of Accelerated Atherosclerosis: A Methodological Perspective of the Iliac Artery Balloon Injury
Published on: October 3, 2017
Embryonic stem cells markers are present within rabbit atherosclerotic plaques
Anthony Zulli1, Brian F Buxton, M Jane Black
1Department of Cardiology, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Australia. azulli@unimelb.edu.au
Histology and Histopathology
|March 28, 2008
Summary
Atherosclerotic plaques contain macrophages and smooth muscle cells expressing embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers. This suggests these cells are primitive and may differentiate, offering new insights into atherosclerosis development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Stem Cell Biology
- Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis
Background:
- Smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic plaques may originate from vascular progenitor cells.
- Previous studies identified hematopoietic stem cell and leukocyte markers in plaque cells.
- Investigating primitive cell markers in plaques could elucidate their origin and differentiation potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To immunolocalize embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers in rabbit aortic intimal thickening and atherosclerotic plaques.
- To determine if cells within atherosclerotic plaques exhibit characteristics of primitive stem cells.
Main Methods:
- New Zealand White rabbits were fed control, cholesterol, or methionine diets for 12 weeks.
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect ESC markers (Oct-4, SSEA1,3,4, TRA1-60, 81).
- Aortae were processed for paraffin embedding and analyzed.
Main Results:
- ESC markers Oct-4, SSEA 1, 3, and 4, TRA-1-60 were present in atherosclerotic plaques.
- TRA-1-81 positive cells were uncommon among macrophages and rare among smooth muscle cells.
- Intimal thickening in methionine-fed rabbits showed no TRA-1-81 positive cells.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages and smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic plaques express ESC markers.
- These findings suggest primitive cell populations within plaques.
- The presence of ESC markers indicates potential for cellular differentiation within the plaque.
