Introduction:
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) manifest histologic features consistent with other chronic inflammatory diseases. Infiltrating mural myeloid cells (e.g. macrophages) are already recognized as important contributors to aneurysm pathogenesis, however, the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), major type 1 interferon-producing myeloid cells involving in autoimmune diseases and atherosclerosis, has not been previously investigated in this context.
Methods and Results:
AAAs were created in 12 week old male C57BL/6J mice by transient intra-aortic infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). AAA development and progression were assessed via serial ultrasound determination of aortic diameter
in vivo
, and histology at sacrifice. The fraction of circulating leukocytes identified as pDCs was significantly increased immediately following PPE infusion (aneurysm initiation). Treatment with mPDCA-1 mAb (400 μg i.p. q.o.d.), beginning one day prior to PPE infusion, depleted more than 90% of bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood pDCs (data not shown) and suppressed subsequent aneurysm development and progression compared to that noted in PPE-infused mice treated with control mAb. mPDCA-1 treatment promoted aortic medial elastin and smooth muscle preservation, while limiting mural macrophage accumulation and neocapillary formation.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest a role for plasmacytoid dendritic cells in promoting the initiation and progression of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Comparison of ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with intraoperative measurements in the evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms
