Flow-dependent remodeling of small arteries in mice deficient for tissue-type transglutaminase: possible compensation by macrophage-derived factor XIII

Circ Res. 2006 Jul 7;99(1):86-92. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000229657.83816.a7. Epub 2006 Jun 1.

Abstract

Chronic changes in blood flow induce an adaptation of vascular caliber. Thus, arteries show inward remodeling after a reduction in blood flow. We hypothesized that this remodeling depends on the crosslinking enzyme tissue-type transglutaminase (tTG). Flow-dependent remodeling was studied in wild-type (WT) and tTG-null mice using a surgically imposed change in blood flow in small mesenteric arteries. WT mice showed inward remodeling after 2 days of low blood flow, which was absent in arteries from tTG-null mice. Yet, after continued low blood flow for 7 days, inward remodeling was similar in arteries from WT and tTG-null mice. Studying the alternative pathways of remodeling, we identified a relatively high expression of the plasma transglutaminase factor XIII in arteries of WT and tTG-null mice. In addition, vessels from both WT and tTG-null mice showed the presence of transglutaminase-specific crosslinks. An accumulation of adventitial monocytes/macrophages was found in vessels exposed to low blood flow in tTG-null mice. Because monocytes/macrophages may represent a source of factor XIII, tTG-null mice were treated with liposome-encapsulated clodronate. Elimination of monocytes/macrophages with liposome-encapsulated clodronate reduced both the expression of factor XIII and inward remodeling in tTG-null mice. In conclusion, tTG plays an important role in the inward remodeling of small arteries associated with decreased blood flow. Adventitial monocytes/macrophages are a source of factor XIII in tTG-null mice and contribute to an alternative, delayed mechanism of inward remodeling when tTG is absent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Animals
  • Blood Circulation / physiology*
  • Clodronic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Clodronic Acid / pharmacology
  • Factor XIII / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Factor XIII / physiology*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / deficiency*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Liposomes
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Mesenteric Arteries / cytology
  • Mesenteric Arteries / drug effects
  • Mesenteric Arteries / physiology*
  • Mesenteric Arteries / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Monocytes / cytology
  • Monocytes / drug effects
  • Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2
  • Transglutaminases / deficiency*

Substances

  • Liposomes
  • Clodronic Acid
  • Factor XIII
  • Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2
  • Transglutaminases
  • GTP-Binding Proteins