Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) Contributes to the Development of Vascular Inflammation by Regulating Monocytic Cell Motility in Mouse Models of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Rationale: Histological examination of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) tissues demonstrates extracellular matrix destruction and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Previous work with mouse models of AAA has shown that anti-inflammatory strategies can effectively attenuate aneurysm formation. Thrombospondin-1 is a matricellular protein involved in the maintenance of vascular structure and homeostasis through the regulation of biological functions, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion. Expression levels of thrombospondin-1 correlate with vascular disease conditions.

Objective: To use thrombospondin-1-deficient (Thbs1(-/-)) mice to test the hypothesis that thrombospondin-1 contributes to pathogenesis of AAAs.

Methods And Results: Mouse experimental AAA was induced through perivascular treatment with calcium phosphate, intraluminal perfusion with porcine elastase, or systemic administration of angiotensin II. Induction of AAA increased thrombospondin-1 expression in aortas of C57BL/6 or apoE-/- mice. Compared with Thbs1(+/+) mice, Thbs1(-/-) mice developed significantly smaller aortic expansion when subjected to AAA inductions, which was associated with diminished infiltration of macrophages. Thbs1(-/-) monocytic cells had reduced adhesion and migratory capacity in vitro compared with wild-type counterparts. Adoptive transfer of Thbs1(+/+) monocytic cells or bone marrow reconstitution rescued aneurysm development in Thbs1(-/-) mice.

Conclusions: Thrombospondin-1 expression plays a significant role in regulation of migration and adhesion of mononuclear cells, contributing to vascular inflammation during AAA development.