Expression of insulin-like growth factor receptor mRNA in rabbit atherosclerotic lesions

Abstract

We have found by 'in situ' hybridization a high level of expression of insulin- like growth factor I receptor (IGF-I R) gene in foam cells of atherosclerotic rabbit aortas. By reaction with either anti- rabbit macrophage (RAM11) or anti smooth muscle cell antibodies we also found that most cells expressing increased amounts of IGF-I R mRNA were of smooth muscle cell origin. Thus, increased IGF-I R mRNA levels might be related to the genesis of the atheroma plaque.