Endothelin-1(1-31) levels are increased in atherosclerotic lesions of the thoracic aorta of hypercholesterolemic hamsters

Kazuaki Mawatari, Sae Kakui, Nagakatsu Harada, Takamasa Ohnishi, Yasuharu Niwa, Kazuko Okada, Akira Takahashi, Keisuke Izumi, Yutaka Nakaya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: The novel vaso-constricting 31-amino acid-length endothelin-1 [ET-1(1-31)] is selectively produced by human mast cell chymase via its action on big ET-1. However, the pathological role of ET-1(1-31) in atherosclerosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify vasoconstrictive response and expression of ET-1(1-31) in atherosclerotic aorta. Methods and results: Syrian golden hamster, was used for preparing the atherosclerotic models by the administration of a high cholesterol diet (HC), treatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methylester, L-NAME) alone, or both (HC and L-NAME) for 40 weeks. Early atherosclerosis was observed in the case of HC or L-NAME alone treatments respectively and severe atherosclerosis was observed in the case of combined HC and L-NAME treatment. Vasoconstriction induced by ET-1(1-31) was not altered by the atherosclerotic changes, but the expression pattern of ET-1(1-31) was different at each stage of the atherosclerotic aorta. ET-1(1-31) was observed rarely in normal aortas or in early atherosclerotic lesions, but ET-1(1-31) expression was dramatically increased in aortic neointima and adventitia in a state of atherosclerosis with severe inflammation. Conclusion: ET-1(1-31) might play in a role of promoting atherosclerosis, and especially be involved in inflammatory mediation during the progression of atherosclerosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)203-212
Number of pages10
JournalAtherosclerosis
Volume175
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 08-2004

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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