I. Kim et al., The angiopoietin-tie2 system in coronary artery endothelium prevents oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis, CARDIO RES, 49(4), 2001, pp. 872-881
Citations number
39
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems","Cardiovascular & Hematology Research
Objectives: A healthy, intact coronary artery endothelium is important beca
use most common coronary artery diseases result from loss of endothelial in
tegrity. In this study, we explored the biological significance of the angi
opoietin-Tie2 system in porcine coronary artery. Methods: Cultured porcine
coronary artery endothelial cells and explanted coronary arteries were used
. Results: Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that Ang1 is selectively
expressed in vascular muscular cells, whereas angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) and Tie
2 are selectively expressed in endothelial cells. Accordingly, Ang1 mRNA is
mainly expressed in cultured porcine coronary artery vascular smooth muscl
e cells, whereas Ang2 and Tie2 mRNAs are mainly expressed in cultured porci
ne: coronary artery endothelial cells (PCAECs). Ang1 (200 ng/ml) induced Ti
e2 phosphorylation, while Ang2 (200 ng/ml) did not produce Tie2 phosphoryla
tion. Ang1 increased the survival of cultured PCAECs during apoptosis induc
ed by oxidized low-density Lipoprotein (OxLDL). This survival effect was do
es-dependent and PI. Furthermore, Ang1 also protected endothelial cells of
explanted coronary artery against OxLDL-induced apoptosis artery. Conclusio
n: These results suggest that adult coronary artery contains Ang1-Tie2 comp
onents that enhance endothelial cell survival to help maintain the normal i
ntegrity of the coronary artery endothelium. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.
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