关键词: 动脉硬化；模型，动物；炎症；NF-κB

Abstract:

 Objective   To evaluate erythrocyte-induced inflammation of atherosclerotic plaques after intra-plaque hemorrhage, and to investigate its mechanism involving nuclear factorkappaB (NF-κB). Methods   After abdominal aorta arteries were injured by balloon over-stretch, a novel model of atherosclerotic plaques was established in 28 New Zealand white rabbits. Three distinct abdominal aortic plaques similar in thickness were identified in each rabbit by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. One plaque received autologous erythrocytes (RBC plaque) to establish the model of intra-plaque hemorrhage. The other two plaques received an equal volume of normal saline (NS plaque) or received no injection (blank plaque) as controls. Macrophage infiltration and expressions of NF-κBp65 and IκBα were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results   RBC plaques showed more significant macrophage infiltration, higher NF-κB p65 expression and lower IκBα expression than NS and blank plaques (all P<0.01). Conclusion   Erythrocytes can induce inflammation of plaques after intra-plaque hemorrhage. The mechanism involving NF-κB plays an important role in the process.

Key words: Atherosclerosis； Model, animal； Inflammation； Nuclearfactor-kappa B