Considerable evidence indicates that type 1 T helper (Th1)- and Th17-mediated immune responses promote the formation of
atherosclerotic plaques while that CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a protective effect. However, the functions of diverse CD4(+) lymphocyte subsets in plaque
rupture remain poorly understood because of a shortage of satisfactory plaque
rupture models. Here, we established a murine model of
atherosclerotic plaque rupture using a high-fat diet and collar placement on the carotid artery, and triggered plaque
rupture by short-term stimulation with a combination of
lipopolysaccharide,
phenylephrine injection and cold in
apolipoprotein E-knockout (
ApoE(-/-)) mice. We investigated the associations between Th1 cells, Th17 cells and Tregs and plaque
rupture by PCR, flow cytometry, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. In total, 75% (18/24) of vulnerable plaques, but no stable plaques, showed
rupture characteristics. The proportion of Th17 cells was increased among splenocytes
after treatment, but the changes in the levels of Th1 cells and Tregs were not related to
rupture. Furthermore, the treatment resulted in high levels of
interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the serum and in the region of plaque
rupture. In vitro,
IL-17 increased the level of apoptosis, a major factor associated with plaque
rupture, in cultured murine vascular smooth muscle cells. Th17 cells and
IL-17 may be involved in the disruption of vulnerable plaques triggered by short-term stimulation with
lipopolysaccharide,
phenylephrine injection and cold in
ApoE(-/-)mice.