O4-04 Down-regulation of connexin43 (CX43) gap junctions, ENOS, and VWF in endothelial cells grown on stent materials

Endothelial connexins are down-regulated by atherogenic factors

“…In addition, co-localization of connexins to the same gap junction plaque is a common feature. In the in vitro experiment, Cx43 was reduced in endothelial cells grown on various stent materials, associated with retarded growth and reduced expression of eNOS and von Willebrand factor, which indicates the existence of endothelial dysfunction (69). Taken together, these two studies demonstrate that reduction of endothelial gap junctions may reflect impaired endothelial function.…”

“…Animal studies have shown that complete coverage of endothelial cell in injured vessels is associated with attenuation or even stopping of the growth of neointima, attributable to the anti-thrombotic and anti-proliferative properties of endothelial cells (66)(67). To understand the effects of angioplasty and stent on endothelial connexins, we injured the rat carotid artery by denudation, grew endothelial cells on stent materials, and examined the expression of connexins in the endothelial cells (68)(69). In the animal study, after injury, the regenerating endothelium initially expresses small, sparse gap junctions, within 28 days the expression levels then progressively increase to values equivalent to (Cx40) or exceed (for Cx37 and Cx43) those of controls (68).…”