[HIF-1α and neovascularization in early carotid atherosclerosis plaques in rabbits].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between hypoxia-inducible foctor-1α (HIF-1α) and neovascularization in early atherosclerosis plaques by establishing rabbit carotid atherosclerosis models, and to observe the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the detection of neovascularization.


METHODS
We provided high-fat diet combined with the implantation of silicone rubber ring to establish carotid atherosclerosis in rat models. On the 14th and 28th days, we detected neovascularization in the carotid atherosclerotic plaques by contrast-enhanced ultrasound, obtained the peak intensity (PI) of the contrast agent in the plaques by time-intensity curve (TIC) and analyzed the difference. We also tested the level of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), α-actin, and RAM-11 by immunohistochemical method in each group, analyzed their correlation, and the correlation between PI and CD31 expression.


RESULTS
On the 14th day, contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed the neovascularization in the carotid atherosclerotic plaques. On the 14th and 28th days, the intensity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed significant difference, the mean optical density of HIF-1α, VEGF, CD31, RAM-11, and α-actin within the carotid atherosclerotic plaques also showed statistical difference. The expressions between HIF-1α and VEGF, HIF-1α and CD31, HIF-1α and RAM-11, HIF-1α and α-actin, as well as PI and CD31 showed highly positive correlations.


CONCLUSIONS
During the process of atherosclerosis evolution, neovascularization in the atherosclerotic plaques has come into being in the early period, and HIF-1α in early atherosclerosis can promote the formation of neovascularization. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can detect the dynamic changes of neovascularization within early atherosclerotic plaques.
Department of Neurology, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
Ming
M
Wu
Wei
W
He
Huadong
H
Zhao
Jianhua
J
Fan
Liting
L
Zhang
Ting
T
Li
Ping
P
Zhou
Xuejun
X
Fan
D000818:Animals; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011817:Rabbits
D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit