The actin cytoskeleton modulates the activation of iNKT cells by segregating CD1d nanoclusters on antigen-presenting cells

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells recognize endogenous and exogenous lipid antigens presented in the context of CD1d molecules. The ability of iNKT cells to recognize endogenous antigens represents a distinct immune recognition strategy, which underscores the constitutive memory phenotype of iNKT cells and their activation during inflammatory conditions. However, the mechanisms regulating such “tonic” activation of iNKT cells remain unclear. Here, we show that the spatiotemporal distribution of CD1d molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) modulates activation of iNKT cells. By using superresolution microscopy, we show that CD1d molecules form nanoclusters at the cell surface of APCs, and their size and density are constrained by the actin cytoskeleton. Dual-color single-particle tracking revealed that diffusing CD1d nanoclusters are actively arrested by the actin cytoskeleton, preventing their further coalescence. Formation of larger nanoclusters occurs in the absence of interactions between CD1d cytosolic tail and the actin cytoskeleton and correlates with enhanced iNKT cell activation. Importantly and consistently with iNKT cell activation during inflammatory conditions, exposure of APCs to the Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist R848 increases nanocluster density and iNKT cell activation. Overall, these results define a previously unidentified mechanism that modulates iNKT cell autoreactivity based on the tight control by the APC cytoskeleton of the sizes and densities of endogenous antigen-loaded CD1d nanoclusters.It is well-established that different populations of T lymphocytes can recognize not only peptides in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHCI) and MHCII molecules but also, foreign and self-lipids in association with CD1 proteins (1), antigen-presenting molecules that share structural similarities with MHCI molecules. Of five CD1 isoforms, CD1d restricts the activity of a family of cells known as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells because of their semiinvariant T-cell receptor (TCR) use (1). To date, the exogenous glycolipid α-GalactosylCeramide (α-GalCer) represents the best characterized CD1d-restricted agonist for iNKT cells (2). Unlike conventional peptide-specific T cells, iNKT cells react against CD1d⁺ antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the absence of exogenous antigens, a feature defined as autoreactivity (3). iNKT cell autoreactivity underpins the constitutive memory phenotype of iNKT cells and their ability to be activated during a variety of immune responses from infections to cancer and autoimmunity (1). Some of the endogenous antigens known to elicit iNKT cell autoreactivity belong to glycosphingolipid families, with a mix of α- and β-anomeric configurations (4–7). How iNKT cell autoreactivity is fine-tuned to prevent autoimmunity is subject of much investigation. Previous results have shown that exposure of APCs to Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists enhances iNKT cell autoreactivity (8, 9), consistent with the proposed mechanism by which ligand availability is regulated by lysosomal glycosidases (4, 6).The recent application of advanced optical techniques (10–13) in combination with substrate patterning and functionalization (14, 15) is providing detailed information on how the lateral organization of a variety of molecules located on both sides of the immunological synapse contributes to controlling T-cell activation. Specifically, single-molecule dynamic approaches and superresolution optical nanoscopy experiments have provided indisputable proof that many receptors on the cell membrane organize in small nanoclusters before ligand activation (16). Membrane nanodomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids (17), protein–protein interactions (18), and interactions between transmembrane proteins and the cytoskeleton (19, 20) have been all implicated in regulating receptor dynamics and nanoclustering. An emerging concept attributes the actin cytoskeleton the ability of imposing barriers or fences on the cell membrane, restricting the lateral mobility of transmembrane proteins (19–21). This transient restriction would, in turn, increase the local concentration of transmembrane proteins, leading to protein nanoclusters. For instance, it has been shown that the actin cytoskeleton promotes the dimerization rate of EGF receptors and facilitates ligand binding and signaling activation (18, 22). Confinement of CD36 has also been observed as a result of its diffusion along linear channels dependent on the integrity of the cortical cytoskeleton (23). This constrained diffusion promotes CD36 clustering, influencing CD36-mediated signaling and internalization. A similar mechanism has been proposed for the maintenance of MHCI clusters on the cell membrane by the actin cytoskeleton, with loss of MHCI clustering resulting in a decreased CD8 T-cell activation (24, 25).Recent confocal microscopy studies have revealed that the association between agonist-loaded CD1d molecules and lipid rafts might contribute to the regulation of iNKT cell activation (26). This elegant study for the first time, to our knowledge, linked the spatial organization of CD1d molecules on the cell membrane of APCs with the activation profile of iNKT cells. However, it remains unclear whether the results of these experiments obtained using mouse cells can be extended to human cells and whether additional insights can be obtained by using higher-resolution microscopy. Indeed, it is not yet known whether surface-expressed CD1d molecules exist as monomers or nanoclusters and whether the actin cytoskeleton might regulate CD1d lateral organization and iNKT cell activation. Interestingly, it has been recently reported that the actin cytoskeleton impairs antigen presentation by CD1d and that disruption of F actin or inhibition of the ρ-associated protein kinase enhances CD1d-mediated antigen presentation (27). These results suggest that the actin cytoskeleton might regulate, in a not yet known manner, antigen presentation by CD1d molecules.Here, we combined dual-color single-molecule dynamic approaches with superresolution optical nanoscopy to characterize for the first time, to our knowledge, the spatiotemporal behavior of CD1d on living human myeloid cells. We find that α-GalCer–loaded human CD1d (hCD1d) molecules are organized in nanoclusters on the cell membrane of APCs. We report that the actin cytoskeleton prevents enhanced hCD1d nanoclustering by hindering physical encountering between hCD1d diffusing nanoclusters, thus reducing basal iNKT cell activation. Furthermore, we observed an increase in nanocluster density on activation of APCs with inflammatory stimuli, such as TLR stimulation, mirroring the increased iNKT cell stimulation. Notably, even during inflammation, the actin cytoskeleton retains an important role to limit hCD1d cluster size and iNKT cell activation. Overall, our results suggest that regulation of CD1d nanoclustering through the actin cytoskeleton represents a previously unidentified mechanism to fine-tune peripheral iNKT cell autoreactivity.     

Mutational analysis of the neurexin/neuroligin complex reveals essential and regulatory components

Neurexins are cell-surface molecules that bind neuroligins to form a heterophilic, Ca²⁺-dependent complex at central synapses. This transsynaptic complex is required for efficient neurotransmission and is involved in the formation of synaptic contacts. In addition, both molecules have been identified as candidate genes for autism. Here we performed mutagenesis experiments to probe for essential components of the neurexin/neuroligin binding interface at the single-amino acid level. We found that in neurexins the contact area is sharply delineated and consists of hydrophobic residues of the LNS domain that surround a Ca²⁺ binding pocket. Point mutations that changed electrostatic and shape properties leave Ca²⁺ coordination intact but completely inhibit neuroligin binding, whereas alternative splicing in α- and β-neurexins and in neuroligins has a weaker effect on complex formation. In neuroligins, the contact area appears less distinct because exchange of a more distant aspartate completely abolished binding to neurexin but many mutations of predicted interface residues had no strong effect on binding. Together with calculations of energy terms for presumed interface hot spots that complement and extend our mutagenesis and recent crystal structure data, this study presents a comprehensive structural basis for the complex formation of neurexins and neuroligins and their transsynaptic signaling between neurons.     

Hallmarks of postoperative liver regeneration: An updated insight on the regulatory mechanisms

Performance and advances in liver surgery makes remarkable progress of the understanding of liver regeneration. Liver regeneration after liver resection has been widely researched, and the underlying mechanism mostly concerns proliferation of hepatocytes and the influence by inflammation through activation of Kupffer cells and the other parenchymal cells, the second regenerative pathway by hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), inducing angiogenesis, remodeling of a extracellular matrix (ECM), and termination mechanisms. New clinical surgeries and the updated multiomics analysis are exploiting the remarkable progress, especially in immune regulation and metabolic process of two emerging hallmarks. This review briefly represents a systemic outline of eight hallmarks, including hepatocyte proliferation, contribution of hepatic progenitor cells, inducing angiogenesis, reprogramming of the extracellular matrix, apoptosis and termination of proliferation, inflammation, immune and metabolic regulation, which are set as organizing characteristics of postoperative liver regeneration and future directions of refining treatment targets.     

黏附分子在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征合并高血压发病中的作用

目的 探讨细胞黏附分子在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)合并高血压(HT)发病中的作用。方法 应用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)方法检测30例OSAHS血压正常患者(OSAHS组)、30例OSAHS合并高血压患者(OSAHS HT组)及30名健康者(正常对照组)血清中可溶性胞间黏附分子1(ICAM-1)、血管细胞黏附分子1(VCAM-1)和L-选择素的含量。结果 OSAHS HT组及OSAHS组患者血清可溶性ICAM-1[分别为(601±406)μg/,L、(513±244)μg/L]、VCAM-1含量[分别为(578±176)μg/L、(480±144)μg/L]均明显高于正常对照组[分别为(355±119)μg/L、(310±163)μg/L,q值分别为4.78,3.07;9.09,5.76,P<0.01],差异有显著性;而L-选择素与对照组相比,差异无显著性(P>0.05);OSAHS HT组的VCAM-1明显高于OSAHS组(q值为3.32,P<0.05),差异有显著性;ICAM-1水平与睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)及微觉醒指数呈明显的正相关(r=0.465,P<0.01,r=0.226,P<0.05);与最低血氧饱和度呈明显的负相关(r=-0.368,P<0.01)。结论 血清ICAM-1、VCAM-1水平的升高是OSAHS患者高血压发病的重要危险因子之一。     

西罗莫司对缺氧/复氧诱导内皮细胞-中性粒细胞黏附的影响及机制

目的　探讨西罗莫司对缺氧 复氧后血管内皮细胞表面黏附分子的表达和中性粒细胞 内皮细胞黏附的影响及机制。方法　采用 β N 乙酰氨基己糖苷酶比色法检测黏附率 ,流式细胞术检测内皮细胞表面黏附分子E 选择素、细胞间黏附分子 1(ICAM 1)的表达 ,Fenton反应测定活性氧 (reactiveoxygenspecies,ROS)的含量 ,Western杂交法检测内皮细胞c JunN端激酶 (JNK)及核因子 κB[nuclearfactor κB ,NF κB(P6 5 ) ]蛋白的表达。结果　血管内皮细胞经缺氧 复氧处理后ROS释放增多 ,JNK及NF κB(P6 5 )蛋白表达增加 ,E 选择素、ICAM 1的表达上调 ,其表面中性粒细胞的黏附增加 ,西罗莫司显著抑制缺氧 复氧的上述作用。结论　西罗莫司抑制缺氧 复氧后血管内皮细胞与中性粒细胞的黏附 ,并可能通过抑制ROS、JNK、NF κB的信号转导途径实现     

2型糖尿病患者血清对人脐静脉内皮细胞骨架及胞浆内游离钙的影响

目的 探讨2型糖尿病患者血清干预人脐静脉内皮细胞(ECV-304)对细胞骨架微丝及胞浆内游离钙浓度的影响.方法 ECV-304传代后取对数生长期细胞分为正常对照组(N组)、健康人血清干预组(H组)和糖尿病患者血清干预组(MD组).按照1×105/ml将细胞种植在Petri 皿中进行分组干预,其中健康人血清、糖尿病患者血清浓度分别占总体积的10%.采用Fluo-3/AM作为荧光指示剂在激光扫描共聚焦显微镜下观察细胞内游离钙浓度的变化,采用荧光探针标记的鬼笔环肽染色法观察细胞骨架微丝分布的差异.结果 与N组比较MD组胞浆内荧光分布不均匀,胞浆内游离钙浓度显著升高,骨架微丝断裂,排列紊乱,少部分区域缺失.结论 糖尿病患者血清干预正常的ECV-304可以造成内皮细胞的骨架结构改变,主要与细胞内游离钙浓度升高有关.     

HBeAg阳性的慢性乙型肝炎病毒感染者红细胞CR1基因点突变与天然免疫粘附功能的变化及意义

目的研究乙型肝炎大三阳免疫耐受与应答组患者红细胞补体受体Ⅰ型分子（CR1）基因点突变与红细胞天然免疫粘附功能（RNIAF）的变化,并探讨其临床意义。方法选择肝脏功能正常、血清HBV DNA大于106拷贝/ml的114例大三阳乙型肝炎患者作为免疫耐受组研究对象,选择肝细胞性黄疸和转氨酶高于正常值2倍以上的110例大三阳乙型肝炎患者为免疫应答组研究对象。采用PCR和HindⅢ酶切技术对红细胞CR1基因有无点突变进行分组,同时检测红细胞天然免疫粘附肿瘤细胞功能。结果免疫应答组大三阳慢性乙型肝炎患者未发生点突变机率明显高于耐受组（P〈0.05）,而免疫应答组的RNIAF却明显低于耐受组（P〈0.01）,并且免疫应答组患者随肝脏功能异常的时间延长下降程度逐渐加重。结论红细胞CR1基因点突变发生率和红细胞天然免疫粘附功能的变化与大三阳慢性乙型肝炎患者病情发展关系密切。     

2型糖尿病患者糖耐量正常一级亲属血管内皮功能及炎症因子的研究

目的研究2型糖尿病患者一级亲属糖耐量正常者(FDR)的血管内皮功能、炎症因子水平及其影响因素。方法测定31例正常人、57例FDR的血管内皮功能、血浆纤溶酶原激活物抑制物1(PAI1)及血清可溶性血管细胞黏附分子1(VCAM1)水平,同时测定胰岛素水平,计算胰岛素敏感性(IAI)。结果与正常对照组比较,FDR内皮依赖性血管舒张功能减低[(1245±337)%比(503±034)%],IAI降低[(-379±057)比(-411±046)],血浆PAI1水平升高[(3046±1228)μg/L比(3925±654)μg/L],血清VCAM1水平升高[(63731±10732)μg/L比(74239±12431)μg/L],差异均有统计学意义(P值均<005)。结论糖耐量正常的2型糖尿病患者一级亲属胰岛素敏感指数下降、血管内皮功能受损、纤溶活性降低,且血管内皮功能失调与胰岛素抵抗密切相关。     

老年慢性心力衰竭患者淋巴细胞细胞间黏附分子-1、血管细胞间黏附分子-1的表达及与心功能的关系探讨

目的：探讨老年慢性心力衰竭（简称心衰）患者淋巴细胞细胞间黏附分子-1（ICAM-1）、血管细胞间黏附分子-1（VCAM-1）水平与血红蛋白（Hb）的关系及与心室重构、心功能的关系。方法对入选的76例老年慢性心衰患者（心衰组）行实验室和超声心动图检查,按 Hb水平又分为贫血组（27例）和非贫血组（49例）;并进行心功能分级。同时选择25例同期健康体检老年人为对照组,比较各组间淋巴细胞 ICAM-1、VCAM-1、Hb 、左室射血分数（LVEF）、左心室质量指数（LVMI）和平均室壁应力（MWS）。结果与对照组比较,心衰组患者 ICAM-1、VCAM-1和LVMI、MWS 明显升高,Hb 和 LVEF 降低（P ＜0．01）,随着心功能恶化,淋巴细胞 ICAM-1和 VCAM-1的水平以及 LVMI 和 MWS 逐渐升高,而 Hb 水平则逐渐降低;心衰贫血组患者淋巴细胞 ICAM-1和VCAM-1的水平以及 LVMI 和 MWS 明显高于非贫血组（P ＜0．05）;心衰患者淋巴细胞 ICAM-1和VCAM-1的水平与 LVMI 和 MWS 均呈正相关（P ＜0．01）。结论心衰患者淋巴细胞 ICAM-1和VCAM-1水平升高和 Hb 水平的降低参与了心功能不全、心室重构发生发展的病理生理过程。     

The Spike Glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 Binds to β1 Integrins Expressed on the Surface of Lung Epithelial Cells

The spike glycoprotein attached to the envelope of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to and exploits angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an entry receptor to infect pulmonary epithelial cells. A subset of integrins that recognize the arginyl–glycyl–aspartic acid (RGD) sequence in the cognate ligands has been predicted in silico to bind the spike glycoprotein and, thereby, to be exploited for viral infection. Here, we show experimental evidence that the β1 integrins predominantly expressed on human pulmonary epithelial cell lines and primary mouse alveolar epithelial cells bind to this spike protein. The cellular β1 integrins support adhesive interactions with the spike protein independently of ACE2, suggesting the possibility that the β1 integrins may function as an alternative receptor for SARS-CoV-2, which could be targeted for the prevention of viral infections.     

黏着斑激酶相关非激酶对CFSC细胞基质金属蛋白酶-2及其抑制因子mRNA表达的影响

目的 探讨黏着斑激酶相关非激酶(FRNK)对纤维连接蛋白刺激的肝星状细胞CFSC胶原代谢的影响及其分子机制. 方法用体外细胞培养技术,脂质体介导法进行FRNK质粒瞬时转染;采用Western blot方法测定FRNK蛋白表达,鉴定转染效果;用3H-Pro掺入技术测定CFSCI型胶原的合成;用RT-PCR方法测定FRNK转染前后基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)及其抑制因子(TIMP-2)基因在CFSC中表达的变化情况. 结果 FRNK质粒成功转染CFSC,Ⅰ型胶原合成下降;MMP-2基因表达上升,TIMP-2基因表达下降,MMP 2/TIMP-2比值明显上升.结论 外源性FRNK在CFSC内大量表达后,CFSC胶原表达减少;FRNK可能通过调节MMP-2/TIMP-2比值来促进CFSC的胶原降解.     

The effect of myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation on the frequency-dependent regulation of cardiac function

Although it has been suggested that in cardiac muscle the phosphorylation level of myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) correlates with frequency of stimulation, its significance in the modulation of the force-frequency and pressure-frequency relationships remains unclear. We examined the role of RLC phosphorylation on the force-frequency relation (papillary muscles), the pressure-frequency relation (Langendorff perfused hearts) and shortening-frequency relation (isolated cardiac myocytes) in nontransgenic (NTG) and transgenic mouse hearts expressing a nonphosphorylatable RLC protein (RLC(P-)). At 22 degrees C, NTG and RLC(P-) muscles showed a negative force-frequency relation. At 32 degrees C, at frequencies above 1 Hz, both groups showed a flat force-frequency relation. There was a small increase in RLC phosphorylation in NTG muscles when the frequency of stimulation was increased from 0.2 Hz to 4.0 Hz. However, the level of RLC phosphorylation in these isolated muscles was significantly lower compared to samples taken from NTG intact hearts. In perfused hearts, there was no difference in the slope of pressure-frequency relationship between groups, but the RLC(P-) group consistently developed a reduced systolic pressure and demonstrated a decreased contractility. There was no difference in the level of RLC phosphorylation in hearts paced at 300 and 600 bpm. In RLC(P-) hearts, the level of TnI phosphorylation was reduced compared to NTG. There was no change in the expression of PLB between groups, but expression of SERCA2 was increased in hearts from RLC(P-) compared to NTG. In isolated cardiac myocytes, there was no change in shortening-frequency relationship between groups. Moreover, there was no change in Ca(2+) transient parameters in cells from NTG and RLC(P-) hearts. Our data demonstrate that in cardiac muscle RLC phosphorylation is not an essential determinant of force- and pressure-frequency relations but the absence of RLC phosphorylation decreases contractility in force/pressure developing preparations.     

ICAM-1 K469E基因多态性与多发性硬化相关性研究

目的 探讨胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)K469E基因多态性与河南汉族人群多发性硬化(MS)遗传易感性的关系.方法 采用聚合酶链反应(PcR)一连接酶检测反应(LDR)基因分型技术对51例无亲缘关系的MS患者和55例无血缘关系的河南籍健康汉族人ICAM-1 K469E基因进行分型.结果 MS组和对照组的ICAM-1K469E基因各等位基因频率、基因型分布相比均无统计学差异(P均＞0.05).结论 河南省汉族人群中MS遗传易感性与ICAM-1 K469E基因无明显关联.     

睾酮对衰老心肌细胞的干预作用及其机制

目的探讨不同剂量睾酮对衰老心肌细胞的干预作用及其可能机制。方法将心肌细胞随机分为正常组、衰老组、1μmol/L睾酮组、100 nmol/L睾酮组、10 nmol/L睾酮组,检测各组心肌细胞周期分布,去磷酸化视网膜母细胞瘤蛋白(RB)表达,细胞内活性氧水平以及细胞线粒体DNA突变率。结果衰老组心肌细胞G_0/G_1期比例较正常组明显升高,而1μmol/L睾酮组、100 nmol/L睾酮组、10 nmol/L睾酮组G_0/G_1期比例较衰老组明显降低(P<0.05)。除10 nmol/L睾酮组对RB表达无明显影响外,睾酮干预可下调去磷酸化RB表达,降低细胞内活性氧水平,降低线粒体DNA突变率(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论睾酮可抑制小鼠心肌细胞衰老,这一作用部分是通过下调去磷酸化RB表达,降低细胞内活性氧水平,降低线粒体DNA突变率来实现的。     

CO2气腹对结肠癌细胞表面粘附分子表达影响的研究

目的 探讨不同压强持续性CO2气腹对结肠癌细胞表面粘附分子表达的影响.方法 建立体外气腹模型,选用人结肠癌细胞株SW1116,分别在不同压强医用CO2气体下暴露1 h,使用流式细胞技术和实时荧光定量PCR检测粘附分子E-cadherin,ICAM-1,CD44,CD44v6,E-selectin的表达.结果 荧光定量PCR结果显示SW1116经6 mm Hg压强的持续CO2气体处理后,ICAM-1和CD44v6出现表达增高;9 mm Hg及12 mm Hg CO2气体处理后,E-cadherin,CD44和CD44v6表达增高;15 mm Hg CO2气体处理后CD44v6表达增高,与处理前表达水平的差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,上述粘附分子的表达在处理后72 h内均会降至处理前水平（P＞O.05）,或低于处理前水平（P＜0.05）.E-cadherin、CD44v6和ICAM-1随着压强增高,其表达量逐渐降低.结论 不同压强CO2气腹能对肿瘤细胞表面的粘附分子表达产生一过性双向影响,随CO2气腹压强的增高,可抑制粘附分子的表达.     

整合素与钙通道协同调节人肾小管上皮细胞转分化过程及其机制

目的 用转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）诱导人肾小管上皮细胞（HK-2）转分化,探讨转分化过程中可能的细胞信号转导机制。方法 25ml TGF-β1（5ng／ml）刺激HK-2,用特异性细胞外信号调节激酶（ERK）抑制剂PD98059（25μmol／L）和（或）钙通道拮抗剂Nifedipine（10μmol／L）处理;于不同时间段分别用免疫荧光、S-P法和免疫印迹法检测黏着斑激酶（FAK）、整合素β1（β1-Integrin）。结果 相比空白组TGF-β1成功诱导HK-2转分化;TGF-β1刺激15min后FAK-Tyr397磷酸化增强,60min达顶峰。相比TGF-β1对照组,PD98059使FAK-Tyr397的磷酸化减弱（P〈0．05）,而Nifedipine无明显抑制作用（P〉0．05）,两者协同作用明显（P〈0．01）;PD98059使FAK蛋白表达呈时间依赖性减弱（P〈0．05）,PD98059及Nifedipine均呈时间依赖性抑制β1-Integrin表达（P〈0．05）。二者协同作用明显（P〈0．01）。结论 TGF-β1与Integrin信号通路之间通过ERK／FAK相互作用;钙通道参与调节FAK活化及FAK与β1-Integrin的表达。     

阿托伐他汀对小鼠实验性动脉粥样硬化病变形成的抑制作用

目的观察阿托伐他汀对载脂蛋白E基因缺陷(apoE-/-)小鼠实验性动脉粥样硬化(AS)病变形成及血管细胞黏附分子-1(VCAM-1)表达的影响,探讨阿托伐他汀抑制AS病变形成的可能机制。方法将apoE-/-小鼠随机分为3组:阿托伐他汀高、低剂量组、模型组(等量生理盐水),每组8只,给药第8周后全部处死。酶法检测血清脂质含量;比色法检测氧化指标一氧化氮(NO)、总抗氧化能力(TAC)及丙二醛(MDA);病理图像分析法测定主动脉AS斑块面积及其与管腔面积的比值;免疫组织化学染色方法测定主动脉壁VCAM-1表达。结果阿托伐他汀高、低剂量组与模型组apoE-/-小鼠比较显示:(1)阿托伐他汀(高、低剂量)可以显著降低总胆固醇、甘油三酯水平(P<0.01),升高高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平(P<0.01);(2)明显增加血浆NO及TAC(P<0.01),减少MDA的生成(P<0.01);(3)阿托伐他汀可减少斑块面积与管腔面积比值(P<0.01);(4)阿托伐他汀可下调VCAM-1的表达(P<0.01)。结论阿托伐他汀可能通过调节apoE-/-小鼠血脂代谢、增强其抗氧化能力及下调主动脉壁VCAM-1表达,抑制apoE-/-小鼠AS病变形成的发展。