MyD88-dependent, superoxide-initiated inflammation is necessary for flow-mediated inward remodeling of conduit arteries

J Exp Med. 2008 Dec 22;205(13):3159-71. doi: 10.1084/jem.20081298. Epub 2008 Dec 8.

Abstract

Vascular remodeling normalizes abnormal hemodynamic stresses through structural changes affecting vessel size and wall thickness. We investigated the role of inflammation in flow-mediated vascular remodeling using a murine model of partial outflow reduction without flow cessation or neointima formation. Common carotid arteries decreased in size after ipsilateral external carotid artery ligation in wild-type mice, but not in myeloid differentiation protein-88 (MyD88)-deficient mice. Inward remodeling was associated with MyD88-dependent and superoxide-initiated cytokine and chemokine production, as well as transient adventitial macrophage accumulation and activation. Macrophage depletion prevented flow-mediated inward vascular remodeling. Expression of MyD88 by intrinsic vascular cells was necessary for cytokine and chemokine production and changes in vessel size, whereas MyD88 expression by bone marrow-derived cells was obligatory for changes in vessel size. We conclude that there are at least two distinct roles for MyD88 in flow-mediated inward remodeling of conduit arteries. Our findings suggest that inflammation is necessary for vascular adaptation to changes in hemodynamic forces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / metabolism
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / pathology
  • Carotid Artery, Common* / anatomy & histology
  • Carotid Artery, Common* / immunology
  • Carotid Artery, Common* / pathology
  • Carotid Stenosis / metabolism
  • Carotid Stenosis / pathology
  • Chemokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Hemodynamics*
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88* / genetics
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88* / immunology
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Superoxides / immunology*

Substances

  • Chemokines
  • Cytokines
  • Myd88 protein, mouse
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88
  • Superoxides