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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
Published on: December 7, 2013
Evidence for CD34/SMA positive cells in the left main coronary artery in atherogenesis
Peter Kruzliak1, David L Hare2, Peter Sabaka3
1Laboratory of Structural Biology and Proteomics, Central Laboratories, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
Insights
This study investigated smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic coronary arteries. While most cells were CD34-negative, rare CD34-positive cells were found, offering insights into preventing coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Cell Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Atherosclerosis progression is linked to coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Understanding smooth muscle cell (SMC) origins in atherosclerotic plaques is crucial for CAD regression.
- Hematopoietic stem cells (CD34+) are generally not thought to form vascular SMCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify CD34-positive cells expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin (α SMC actin) within the fibrous cap and wall of atherosclerotic plaques.
- To investigate the cellular composition of atherosclerotic lesions in a rabbit model.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model of atherosclerosis was induced using a cholesterol and methionine-rich diet.
- Dietary intervention was followed by a period of regression on a normal diet.
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells and α SMC actin.
Main Results:
- The majority of spindle-shaped cells in the fibrous cap were CD34-negative and α SMC actin-positive (vascular SMCs).
- Rare populations of CD34-positive cells, expressing or not expressing α SMC actin, were identified but were not spindle-shaped.
- CD34-positive, α SMC actin-negative spindle-shaped cells were absent from the fibrous cap.
Conclusions:
- The study identified both CD34-negative (predominant) and CD34-positive α SMC actin-positive cells within atherosclerotic plaques.
- The presence of these distinct SMC populations suggests a potential role in atherosclerotic regression.
- The established model can be utilized to further explore the function of different SMC subtypes in hastening CAD regression.
Unlabelled:
Regression of atherosclerosis is a key aspect of preventing further coronary artery disease and understanding which cell type forms smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic fibrous caps will aid in reducing CAD. Atherogenesis is a complex interplay of cells migrating and proliferating into the vascular wall. CD34 positive hemapoetic stem cells are believed to not transform into vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). The current study hypothesised that there would be no evidence for CD34(+)/α SMC actin(+) cells in atherosclerotic coronary arteries.
Aims:
To identify CD34+/α actin positive cells in the fibrous cap and wall of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary artery.
Methods:
Male New Zealand White rabbits were fed a diet containing 0.5% cholesterol and 1% methionine for 4 weeks, then 9 weeks of normal diet to induce regression. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect CD34(+) haematopoietic progenitor cells and α SMC actin.
Results:
In the fibrous cap, the majority of cells were CD34(-)/α SMC actin(+) spindle shaped cells. However very rare populations of CD34(+)/α SMC actin(+) and CD34(+)/α SMC actin(-) cells were also present but these cells were not spindle shaped.
Conclusion:
Our study found that CD34(+)/α SMC actin(-) spindle shaped cells were absent from the fibrous cap. Moreover, the predominant cell population were the vascular smooth muscle cells (CD34(-)/α SMC actin(+)) but (CD34(+)/α SMC actin(+)) cells were also present. This model could be used to understand the role of each SMC population subtype to hasten atherosclerotic regression in the coronary artery.
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