APOPTOSIS OF VASCULAR SMOOTH-MUSCLE CELLS IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Apoptosis (programmed cell death) of vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages has recently been demonstrated in the following: (a) human atherosclerotic plaques; (b) physiological remodelling of the vessel; and (c) a variety of disease states. Apoptosis is a highly regulated mechanism of death, controlled by the interactions between the followi ng: (i) cellular receptors; (ii) cytoplasmic and nuclear gene products ; and (iii) the local cytokine and cellular environment within the pla que. The knowledge of the key regulators of apoptosis does, however, o ffer novel therapeutic targets in both the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights re served.