Somatostatin receptor expression in rat iliac arteries after balloon injury

Somatostatin is a general inhibitory hormone that exerts its effects through five functionally distinct receptor subtypes (SSTR1-5). Somatostatin analogues have been shown to be effective in inhibiting intimal hyperplasia after balloon induced vascular injury. However, the exact SSTR subtype responsible for the inhibitory effect of somatostatin on intimal hyperplasia is unknown. The purpose of this study was to define the presence and abundance of SSTR subtypes in a rat iliac balloon injury model of intimal hyperplasia. Transaortic balloon injury of the rat iliac artery was carried out. Rats were sacrificed at 48 h, 1 week, and 1 month postinjury, and perfusion fixed and stained with antibodies against SSTR2, 3, and 5. SSTR2 was identified on the intimal surfaces of normal and injured vessels. SSTR2 immunoreactivity was more prominent at 1 week and 1 month postinjury compared with 48 h postinjury. There was no immunostaining with SSTR3 and SSTR5 antibodies. The results show that SSTR2 is expressed on endothelial cells in normal and injured rat vessels. Its abundance in the injured vessel was increased up to 1 month postinjury.