Activation of human vascular cells decreases their expression of transforming growth factor-beta.
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ABSTRACT: Despite pro-fibrotic effects, transforming growth factor (TGF)-? prevents arteriosclerosis by suppressing effector leukocytes and promoting smooth muscle differentiation. However, previous observations of increased TGF-? expression in arteriosclerotic plaques are not consistent with that of an effective protective factor. We investigated the expression, regulation, and responses of TGF-? in human arterial tissues and cells.The expression of TGF-? by intrinsic vascular cells was lower in arteriosclerotic than non-diseased coronary arteries. Activation of resident and infiltrating leukocytes did not elicit TGF-? production from coronary artery segments in organ culture. Instead, the basal expression of TGF-? by coronary arteries decreased after vessel procurement and ex vivo culture. Activation of cultured smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells with phorbol ester and ionophore also decreased TGF-? expression. Isolated cell types representing those found in the artery wall were all capable of signaling in response to TGF-?, however production of the cytoprotective molecule, interleukin-11 was cell type-dependent and restricted to smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. Interleukin-11 reduced smooth muscle cell apoptosis to T cell effectors.Inflammation and cellular activation diminish the basal expression of TGF-? by quiescent human vascular cells. Induction of interleukin-11 may contribute to the anti-arteriosclerotic actions of TGF-?.
SUBMITTER: Lebastchi AH
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3226933 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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