Related Experiment Videos
Effect of macrophage colony stimulating factor on the advanced atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic
Y Watanabe1, T Inaba, H Shimano
13rd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
We have reported that macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) prevents atherosclerosis in young WHHL rabbits (Atherosclerosis 93:245, 1993). In the present study, we injected recombinant human M-CSF (250 micrograms/day) into WHHL rabbits aged 11 months 3 times a week after advanced atherosclerosis was established. After 8 months of treatment, we did not find any significant difference in plasma lipid levels, cholesterol ester content in the aorta or macroscopic atherosclerosis lesion area between M-CSF treated and non-treated rabbits. There was, however, a significant difference in the ratio of intimal to medial thickness (1.08 vs 1.7, p < 0.01). Thus, M-CSF may influence vascular smooth muscle cell function and modify the process of atherosclerosis in advance lesions.
Insights
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) did not alter plasma lipids or lesion size in advanced atherosclerosis. However, M-CSF significantly reduced the ratio of intimal to medial thickness in treated rabbits.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) has previously demonstrated a preventative effect on atherosclerosis in young rabbits.
- The impact of M-CSF on established, advanced atherosclerotic lesions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of M-CSF in rabbits with established advanced atherosclerosis.
- To determine if M-CSF influences lipid profiles, aortic cholesterol ester content, lesion area, or vascular wall remodeling in advanced atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant human M-CSF was administered to 11-month-old WHHL rabbits with established atherosclerosis three times weekly for 8 months.
- Plasma lipid levels, aortic cholesterol ester content, and macroscopic lesion area were assessed.
- The ratio of intimal to medial thickness was measured to evaluate vascular remodeling.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in plasma lipid levels, aortic cholesterol ester content, or macroscopic atherosclerosis lesion area between M-CSF treated and control groups.
- A significant reduction in the intimal to medial thickness ratio was observed in the M-CSF treated group compared to controls (1.08 vs 1.7, p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- M-CSF treatment did not affect established atherosclerotic plaque size or lipid profiles in WHHL rabbits.
- M-CSF may modulate vascular smooth muscle cell function, influencing vascular remodeling even in advanced atherosclerotic lesions.