Early rescue of lymphatic function limits atherosclerosis progression in Ldlr-/- mice

Our previous data showed that lymphatic function impairment occurs before the onset of atherosclerosis in mice and is precociously associated with a defect in the propelling capacity of the collecting lymphatic vessels. Concomitantly, we found that lymphatic transport can be restored in mice by systemic injections of a mutant form of VEGF-C (VEGF-C 152s), a growth factor known to increase mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessel pumping through a VEGFR-3-dependent mechanism in rats. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether and how early modulation of collecting lymphatic vessel function could restrain atherosclerosis onset and limit its progression.

Source: Atherosclerosis - January 31, 2019 Category: Cardiology Authors: Andreea Milasan, Ali Smaani, Catherine Martel Source Type: research