Abstract
The authors have previously shown that cell-matrix interactions mediated via the matrix protein ligand vitronectin derived from serum and its cell surface αVβ3 integrin receptor regulate migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) in vitro. Arginine-glycine- aspartic acid (RGD) sequence of vitronectin (residues 45 to 47) is the critical domain for interactions. In this study the authors sought to determine whether interference with vitronectin-receptor interaction in the arterial wall would alter development of neoin timal hyperplasia in a rabbit model.
After balloon-induced injury of the carotid artery (2 fr Fogarty, three times) vitronectin was observed in the intima and upper third of the media (immunostaining, n= 3). In 6 rabbits the vitronectin receptor antagonist cyclic RGD peptide (1 mM) was locally applied to the injured artery by use of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (25%). RAD peptide (1 mM, n=6) and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer without peptide (n=6) served as an inactive control. At twenty-eight days rabbits were killed, carotid arteries were fixed, and mean intima and media area was determined by computer-assisted planimetry. (continued on next page) (Abstract continued) The mean intima/media ratio in control balloon-injured arteries without peptide was 0.43 ±0.08 (SD). In injured RAD peptide-treated arteries the ratio was 0.39 ±0.09 (P= NS). In injured, cyclic RGD peptide-treated arteries the intima/media ration was 0.14 ±0.02 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in media area in the two groups.
These results suggest that (1) vitronectin-vitronectin receptor interaction mediates SMC migration in vivo, and (2) localized application of a vitronectin receptor antagonist to the arterial wall after balloon injury modifies this process and results in a significant reduction in the development of neointimal hyperplasia. Vitronectin-vitronectin receptor interaction may be an additional attractive target for pharmacologic manipulations aimed at limiting restenosis after vascular injury.
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