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Abstract
Neointima formation is a common feature of atherosclerosis and restenosis after balloon angioplasty. To find a new target to suppress neointima formation, we investigated the possible role of midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor with neurotrophic and chemotactic activities, in neointima formation. MK expression increased during neointima formation caused by intraluminal balloon injury of the rat carotid artery. Neointima formation in a restenosis model was strongly suppressed in MK-deficient mice. Continuous administration of MK protein to MK-deficient mice restored neointima formation. Leukocyte recruitment to the vascular walls after injury was markedly decreased in MK-deficient mice. Soluble MK as well as that bound to the substratum induced migration of macrophages in vitro. These results indicate that MK plays a critical role in neointima formation at least in part owing to its ability to mediate leukocyte recruitment.
Authors
Mitsuru Horiba, Kenji Kadomatsu, Eishin Nakamura, Hisako Muramatsu, Shinya Ikematsu, Sadatoshi Sakuma, Kenji Hayashi, Yukio Yuzawa, Seiichi Matsuo, Masafumi Kuzuya, Tadashi Kaname, Makoto Hirai, Hidehiko Saito, Takashi Muramatsu
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