抄録
【Introduction】Adhesion of circulating leukocytes to the endothelial cells and subsequent trans-endothelial migration are important steps in the development of atherosclerosis. This process is predominantly mediated by adhesion molecules, which are expressed on endothelial cells and leukocytes.【Aim】We examined whether adhesion molecules on CD4+ T cells contribute to plaque instability and atherosclerotic development. 【Methods】We examined 36 acute coronary syndromes (ACS) underwent the thrombus-aspiration therapy and 24 controls (Cont).【Results】CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood from ACS strongly expressed PSGL-1 and integrin β2 compared to Cont. Furthermore, the culprit coronary artery contained abundant PSGL-1+CD4+ T cells, but not integrin β2+CD4+ T cells. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed that many PSGL-1+CD4+ T cells were in the culprit plaques and thrombus. These PSGL-1+CD4+ T cells strongly bound to both P-selectin and E-selectin, and induced endothelial cell apoptosis through active caspase-3.【Conclusion】We concluded that cytotoxic PSGL-1 expressing CD4+ T cells participate directly in the development of atherosclerosis and plaque instability in ACS.
