Current approaches to inhibition of proliferation in atherosclerosis

Abstract

Handley, D.A.: Current approaches to inhibition of proliferation in atherosclerosis. DrugDev. Res.6:167-176, 1985. Atherosclerosis is characterized by progressive arterial stenosis of the major vessels of the systemic circulation. In man, atherosclerotic lesions are composed principally of smooth muscle cells, connective matrix derived from these cells, and variable amounts of lipid. Emphasized is the role of the platelet mitogen, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), as a potent stimulus for the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Animal models of proliferative atherosclerosis are reviewed, as are published references of approaches to inhibit smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in these models by drug administration. The results are discussed in terms of the potential therapeutic application of antiproliferative drugs designed to inhibit the mitogenic role of PDGF as a contributory factor in atherogenesis.