The angiopoietin-tie2 system in coronary artery endothelium prevents oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis.
OBJECTIVE
A healthy, intact coronary artery endothelium is important because most common coronary artery diseases result from loss of endothelial integrity. In this study, we explored the biological significance of the angiopoietin-Tie2 system in porcine coronary artery.


METHODS
Cultured porcine coronary artery endothelial cells and explanted coronary arteries were used.


RESULTS
Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that Ang1 is selectively expressed in vascular muscular cells, whereas angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) and Tie2 are selectively expressed in endothelial cells. Accordingly, Ang1 mRNA is mainly expressed in cultured porcine coronary artery vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas Ang2 and Tie2 mRNAs are mainly expressed in cultured porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (PCAECs). Ang1 (200 ng/ml) induced Tie2 phosphorylation, while Ang2 (200 ng/ml) did not produce Tie2 phosphorylation. Ang1 increased the survival of cultured PCAECs during apoptosis induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL). This survival effect was does-dependent and PI. Furthermore, Ang1 also protected endothelial cells of explanted coronary artery against OxLDL-induced apoptosis artery.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that adult coronary artery contains Ang1-Tie2 components that enhance endothelial cell survival to help maintain the normal integrity of the coronary artery endothelium.
National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Cardiac Regeneration and Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Chonbuk University School of Medicine, Chonju, South Korea.
I
I
Kim
S O
SO
Moon
C Y
CY
Han
Y K
YK
Pak
S K
SK
Moon
J J
JJ
Kim
G Y
GY
Koh
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D042683:Angiopoietin-1; D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000494:pharmacology; D003331:Coronary Vessels; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010766:Phosphorylation; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D042787:Receptor, TIE-2; D013552:Swine
D042683:Angiopoietin-1; D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; C105373:MEN1 protein, human; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D042787:Receptor, TIE-2