Elevated expression of type VIII collagen gene in the atherosclerotic plaque of the ApoE-deficient mouse

The proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is a key event in the development of atherosclerosis. To compare the nature of SMCs from advanced atherosclerotic lesions and normal aortic segments, we established SMC lines from plaque-containing portions (P) and non-plaque portions (NP) of aortas of apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice. Differential display showed several transcripts that were differentially expressed in P and NP lines. One of the transcripts whose expression was elevated in P lines compared to their NP counterparts was for type VIII collagen. Type VIII collagen transcripts were also readily detectable by RT-PCR in RNA isolated from plaques freshly dissected from apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice, but not in RNA Isolated from the normal part of the aorta or from adventitia. In situ hybridization showed localization of Col8alpha1 transcripts near the luminal surface of the plaque. Thus, differential production of type VIII collagen in SMCs from atherosclerotic plaques continues when the cells are maintained in culture.