Expression of α2-adrenergic receptors in normal and atherosclerotic rabbit aorta

Abstract

α2-Adrenergic receptors (α2-ARs) in vascular smooth muscle cells are known to mediate vasoconstriction; however, it is unknown which of the 3 subtypes of α2-AR (α(2A), α(2B), or α(2C)) is expressed in vascular tissue. We have used subtype-specific probes in in situ hybridization and RNase protection assays to analyze the expression of α2-AR in the thoracic aorta of New Zealand White (NZW) and Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits, a model for atherosclerosis. We found that the α(2A)-AR mRNA was in endothelial and smooth muscle cells in both NZW and WHHL aorta. In addition, the shoulders and subendothelial regions of the atherosclerotic lesions in WHHL aorta showed abundant expression of α(2A)-AR mRNA. Antibodies to macrophage (RAM-11) and smooth muscle cell (HHF-35) antigens were used to localize macrophage and smooth muscle cells in aortic sections from WHHL rabbits. The expression of α(2A)-AR mRNA within the lesions of WHHL rabbits correlated with the presence of infiltrating macrophages. We discuss the potential role of α(2A)-ARs in macrophage function and in promoting atherosclerosis.