Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Circulation
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Circulation. 2000;101:2450-2453

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Tricot, O.
Right arrow Articles by Tedgui, A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Tricot, O.
Right arrow Articles by Tedgui, A.
Related Collections
Right arrow Pathophysiology
Right arrow Endothelium/vascular type/nitric oxide

(Circulation. 2000;101:2450.)
© 2000 American Heart Association, Inc.


Brief Rapid Communications

Relation Between Endothelial Cell Apoptosis and Blood Flow Direction in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques

Olivier Tricot, MD; Ziad Mallat, MD, PhD; Christophe Heymes, PhD; Joël Belmin, MD; Guy Lesèche, MD; Alain Tedgui, PhD

From the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM U541, Institut Fédératif de Recherche "Circulation," Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France (O.T., Z.M., C.H., A.T.); Service de Médecine Interne Gériatrique, Hôpital René Muret-Bigottini, Sevran, France (J.B.); and Service de chirurgie Thoracique et Vasculaire, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France (G.L.).

Correspondence to Alain Tedgui, PhD, INSERM U541, Hôpital Lariboisière, 41 Bd de la Chapelle, 75010 Paris, France. E-mail tedgui{at}infobiogen.fr

Background—Blood flow characteristics influence endothelial cell apoptosis. However, little is known about the occurrence of endothelial cell apoptosis in human atherosclerosis and its relation to blood flow.

Methods and Results—A total of 42 human carotid atherosclerotic plaques were retrieved by endarterectomy; they were examined in the longitudinal axial direction. Plaques were included in this study when upstream and downstream parts were clearly visible, occlusion was absent, and immunostaining for luminal endothelium was present all along the plaque. Using these criteria, 13 plaques were processed for further immunohistochemical studies (using anti-CD31, anti-Ki-67, and anti-splicing factor antibodies) and in situ detection of apoptosis (terminal dUTP nick end-labeling and ligase assay). Eight plaques showed >=1 apoptotic endothelial cell at the luminal surface. Quantitative analysis of endothelial cell apoptosis in these plaques showed a systematic preferential occurrence of apoptosis in the downstream parts of plaques, where low flow and low shear stress prevail, in comparison with the upstream parts (18.8±3.3% versus 2.7±1.2%, respectively, P<0.001). Endothelial cell apoptosis was barely detectable in plaque microvessels.

Conclusions—Our results suggest that in vivo local shear stress influences luminal endothelial cell apoptosis and may be a major determinant of plaque erosion and thrombosis.


Key Words: blood flow • stress, mechanical • atherosclerosis • apoptosis • endothelium




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
CirculationHome page
G. Foteinos, Y. Hu, Q. Xiao, B. Metzler, and Q. Xu
Rapid Endothelial Turnover in Atherosclerosis-Prone Areas Coincides With Stem Cell Repair in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Circulation, April 8, 2008; 117(14): 1856 - 1863.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
B. C. Berk
Atheroprotective Signaling Mechanisms Activated by Steady Laminar Flow in Endothelial Cells
Circulation, February 26, 2008; 117(8): 1082 - 1089.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
H. M. Heikkila, S. Latti, M. J. Leskinen, J. K. Hakala, P. T. Kovanen, and K. A. Lindstedt
Activated Mast Cells Induce Endothelial Cell Apoptosis by a Combined Action of Chymase and Tumor Necrosis Factor-{alpha}
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., February 1, 2008; 28(2): 309 - 314.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
DiabetesHome page
J. Lu, W. Jiang, J.-H. Yang, P.-Y. Chang, J. P. Walterscheid, H.-H. Chen, M. Marcelli, D. Tang, Y.-T. Lee, W. S.L. Liao, et al.
Electronegative LDL Impairs Vascular Endothelial Cell Integrity in Diabetes by Disrupting Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) Autoregulation
Diabetes, January 1, 2008; 57(1): 158 - 166.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
Y. S. Chatzizisis, A. U. Coskun, M. Jonas, E. R. Edelman, C. L. Feldman, and P. H. Stone
Role of Endothelial Shear Stress in the Natural History of Coronary Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling: Molecular, Cellular, and Vascular Behavior
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 26, 2007; 49(25): 2379 - 2393.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.Home page
A. A. El Solh, M. E. Akinnusi, F. H. Baddoura, and C. R. Mankowski
Endothelial Cell Apoptosis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Link to Endothelial Dysfunction
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., June 1, 2007; 175(11): 1186 - 1191.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
C. M. Boulanger, N. Amabile, A. P. Guerin, B. Pannier, A. S. Leroyer, Z. Mallat, C. Nguyen, A. Tedgui, and G. M. London
In Vivo Shear Stress Determines Circulating Levels of Endothelial Microparticles in End-Stage Renal Disease
Hypertension, April 1, 2007; 49(4): 902 - 908.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
D. Segers, F. Helderman, C. Cheng, L. C.A. van Damme, D. Tempel, E. Boersma, P. W. Serruys, R. de Crom, A. F.W. van der Steen, P. Holvoet, et al.
Gelatinolytic Activity in Atherosclerotic Plaques Is Highly Localized and Is Associated With Both Macrophages and Smooth Muscle Cells In Vivo
Circulation, February 6, 2007; 115(5): 609 - 616.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
JNMHome page
S. Isobe, S. Tsimikas, J. Zhou, S. Fujimoto, M. Sarai, M. J. Branks, A. Fujimoto, L. Hofstra, C. P. Reutelingsperger, T. Murohara, et al.
Noninvasive Imaging of Atherosclerotic Lesions in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient and Low-Density-Lipoprotein Receptor-Deficient Mice with Annexin A5
J. Nucl. Med., September 1, 2006; 47(9): 1497 - 1505.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Biol. Chem.Home page
J. P. Huddleson, N. Ahmad, and J. B. Lingrel
Up-regulation of the KLF2 Transcription Factor by Fluid Shear Stress Requires Nucleolin
J. Biol. Chem., June 2, 2006; 281(22): 15121 - 15128.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
C. A. Pfrommer, W. Erl, and P. C. Weber
Docosahexaenoic acid induces ciap1 mRNA and protects human endothelial cells from stress-induced apoptosis
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2006; 290(6): H2178 - H2186.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
C. Hasel, S. Durr, A. Bauer, R. Heydrich, S. Bruderlein, T. Tambi, U. Bhanot, and P. Moller
Pathologically elevated cyclic hydrostatic pressure induces CD95-mediated apoptotic cell death in vascular endothelial cells
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, August 1, 2005; 289(2): C312 - C322.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
K. Tanaka, M. Sata, D. Fukuda, Y. Suematsu, N. Motomura, S. Takamoto, Y. Hirata, and R. Nagai
Age-Associated Aortic Stenosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., July 5, 2005; 46(1): 134 - 141.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
S. L. Hazen
Myeloperoxidase and Plaque Vulnerability
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., July 1, 2004; 24(7): 1143 - 1146.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
S. Sugiyama, K. Kugiyama, M. Aikawa, S. Nakamura, H. Ogawa, and P. Libby
Hypochlorous Acid, a Macrophage Product, Induces Endothelial Apoptosis and Tissue Factor Expression: Involvement of Myeloperoxidase-Mediated Oxidant in Plaque Erosion and Thrombogenesis
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., July 1, 2004; 24(7): 1309 - 1314.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
T. Suhara, K. Fukuo, O. Yasuda, M. Tsubakimoto, Y. Takemura, H. Kawamoto, T. Yokoi, M. Mogi, T. Kaimoto, and T. Ogihara
Homocysteine Enhances Endothelial Apoptosis via Upregulation of Fas-Mediated Pathways
Hypertension, June 1, 2004; 43(6): 1208 - 1213.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
E. Durand, A. Scoazec, A. Lafont, J. Boddaert, A. Al Hajzen, F. Addad, M. Mirshahi, M. Desnos, A. Tedgui, and Z. Mallat
In Vivo Induction of Endothelial Apoptosis Leads to Vessel Thrombosis and Endothelial Denudation: A Clue to the Understanding of the Mechanisms of Thrombotic Plaque Erosion
Circulation, June 1, 2004; 109(21): 2503 - 2506.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
BloodHome page
T. Stefanec
Endothelial apoptosis: the missing link between atherosclerosis and SLE?
Blood, May 15, 2004; 103(10): 3608 - 3609.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
X. Pi, C. Yan, and B. C. Berk
Big Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (BMK1)/ERK5 Protects Endothelial Cells From Apoptosis
Circ. Res., February 20, 2004; 94(3): 362 - 369.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Vasc MedHome page
S. M Wasserman and J. N Topper
Adaptation of the endothelium to fluid flow: in vitro analyses of gene expression and in vivo implications
Vascular Medicine, February 1, 2004; 9(1): 35 - 45.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
NeurologyHome page
K. Nuotio, P. J. Lindsberg, O. Carpen, L. Soinne, E. M.P. Lehtonen-Smeds, E. Saimanen, R. Lassila, T. Sairanen, S. Sarna, O. Salonen, et al.
Adhesion molecule expression in symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Neurology, June 24, 2003; 60(12): 1890 - 1899.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
O. Belton and D. Fitzgerald
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and atherosclerosis
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., May 21, 2003; 41(10): 1820 - 1822.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
D. L. Fry
Arterial intimal-medial permeability and coevolving structural responses to defined shear-stress exposures
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, December 1, 2002; 283(6): H2341 - H2355.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
J. Y.-J. Shyy and S. Chien
Role of Integrins in Endothelial Mechanosensing of Shear Stress
Circ. Res., November 1, 2002; 91(9): 769 - 775.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
Y.-J. Geng and P. Libby
Progression of Atheroma: A Struggle Between Death and Procreation
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., September 1, 2002; 22(9): 1370 - 1380.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
C. Urbich, E. Dernbach, A. Aicher, A. M. Zeiher, and S. Dimmeler
CD40 Ligand Inhibits Endothelial Cell Migration by Increasing Production of Endothelial Reactive Oxygen Species
Circulation, August 20, 2002; 106(8): 981 - 986.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
E. Durand, Z. Mallat, F. Addad, F. Vilde, M. Desnos, C. Guerot, A. Tedgui, and A. Lafont
Time courses of apoptosis and cell proliferation and their relationship to arterial remodeling and restenosis after angioplasty in an atherosclerotic rabbit model
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., May 15, 2002; 39(10): 1680 - 1685.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Biol. Chem.Home page
Y. C. Boo, G. Sorescu, N. Boyd, I. Shiojima, K. Walsh, J. Du, and H. Jo
Shear Stress Stimulates Phosphorylation of Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase at Ser1179 by Akt-independent Mechanisms. ROLE OF PROTEIN KINASE A
J. Biol. Chem., January 25, 2002; 277(5): 3388 - 3396.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
Z. Mallat and A. Tedgui
Current Perspective on the Role of Apoptosis in Atherothrombotic Disease
Circ. Res., May 25, 2001; 88(10): 998 - 1003.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
N. Sudoh, K. Toba, M. Akishita, J. Ako, M. Hashimoto, K. Iijima, S. Kim, Y.-Q. Liang, Y. Ohike, T. Watanabe, et al.
Estrogen Prevents Oxidative Stress-Induced Endothelial Cell Apoptosis in Rats
Circulation, February 6, 2001; 103(5): 724 - 729.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
S. Dimmeler and A. M. Zeiher
Endothelial Cell Apoptosis in Angiogenesis and Vessel Regression
Circ. Res., September 15, 2000; 87(6): 434 - 439.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Biol. Chem.Home page
K. Chen, J. A. Vita, B. C. Berk, and J. F. Keaney Jr.
c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Activation by Hydrogen Peroxide in Endothelial Cells Involves Src-dependent Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation
J. Biol. Chem., May 4, 2001; 276(19): 16045 - 16050.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Biol. Chem.Home page
J.-R. Nofer, B. Levkau, I. Wolinska, R. Junker, M. Fobker, A. von Eckardstein, U. Seedorf, and G. Assmann
Suppression of Endothelial Cell Apoptosis by High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and HDL-associated Lysosphingolipids
J. Biol. Chem., September 7, 2001; 276(37): 34480 - 34485.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
J. Hoffmann, J. Haendeler, A. Aicher, L. Rossig, M. Vasa, A. M. Zeiher, and S. Dimmeler
Aging Enhances the Sensitivity of Endothelial Cells Toward Apoptotic Stimuli: Important Role of Nitric Oxide
Circ. Res., October 12, 2001; 89(8): 709 - 715.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]