Interleukin 6 gene transcripts are expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions

Y Seino, U Ikeda, M Ikeda, K Yamamoto, Y Misawa… - Cytokine, 1994 - Elsevier
Y Seino, U Ikeda, M Ikeda, K Yamamoto, Y Misawa, T Hasegawa, S Kano, K Shimada
Cytokine, 1994Elsevier
Factors controlling the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) are thought to be
key elements in the progression of atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that
interleukin 6 (IL-6) stimulates the growth of SMC in vitro and that IL-6 gene transcripts are
expressed in atherosclerotic lesions of genetically hyperlipidemic rabbits. To understand the
involvement of IL-6 in the development of human atherosclerosis, we investigated IL-6
mRNA expression in atherosclerotic arteries from patients undergoing surgical …
Abstract
Factors controlling the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) are thought to be key elements in the progression of atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that interleukin 6 (IL-6) stimulates the growth of SMC in vitro and that IL-6 gene transcripts are expressed in atherosclerotic lesions of genetically hyperlipidemic rabbits. To understand the involvement of IL-6 in the development of human atherosclerosis, we investigated IL-6 mRNA expression in atherosclerotic arteries from patients undergoing surgical vascularization, utilizing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization analyses. In RT-PCR analysis, the atherosclerotic arteries showed 10- to 40-fold levels of IL-6 mRNA expression over the non-atherosclerotic artery. In in situ hybridization analysis, IL-6 gene transcripts were observed in the thickened intimal layer of atherosclerotic lesions. These results strongly suggest the involvement of IL-6 in the development of human atherosclerosis.
Elsevier