Evidence that protease activated receptor 2 expression is enhanced in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions. Issue 5 (27th April 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Napoli, C; de Nigris, F; Wallace, J L; Hollenberg, M D; Tajana, G; De Rosa, G; Sica, V; Cirino, G
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 57:Issue 5(2004)
• Page Start: 513
• Page End: 516
• Publication Date: 2004-04-27
• Subjects: oxLDL, oxidised low density lipoprotein -- PAR-2, protease activated receptor 2 -- PBS, phosphate buffered saline; atherosclerosis -- protease activated receptor 2 -- inflammation; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2003.015156
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To investigate protease activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) expression in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions because PAR-2 is involved in the modulation of inflammatory events and vascular function. Methods: An immunohistochemical analysis was performed on serial arterial sections, using the following antibodies: MDA2, a murine monoclonal antibody against malondialdehyde lysine epitopes of oxidised low density lipoprotein (oxLDL); HAM-56, a monoclonal antibody against human macrophages/foam cells; B5, a rabbit polyclonal antibody against PAR-2; and SAM11, a mouse monoclonal antibody against human PAR-2. Sections containing at least one lesion showing substantial immunostaining were counted as positive, and results were expressed as per cent of all sections of the same artery. Results: PAR-2 expression was enhanced in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions. This phenomenon correlated with an increase in oxLDL epitopes in the coronary artery. Conclusion: This study shows for the first time that PAR-2 expression is enhanced in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions, and suggests that PAR-2 dependent cellular trafficking may be one of the regulatory signalling responses to vascular injury. Further pharmacological studies will establish whether modulation (and in which direction) of PAR-2 represents a possible therapeutic target for controlling the vascular response to injury.