Influence of Simvastatin on immune complexes in the plaque lesion of atherosclerosis / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: to study the relationship between immune complex(IC)and the origin of atherosclerosis(AS),and to evaluate the simvastatin's potential effect on immunomodulation. Methods: Thirty eight truebred New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups control group,high-cholesterol fed group,simvastatin-protecting group and simvastatin-treatment group.the structural change of artery and the deposit of IC(and their classes)in plaque lesions of AS were analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemistry. Results: plaque lesions of AS were obvious after 8-weeks high-cholesterol feeding.With the development of AS,the IC of IgG accumulated in plaque lesions,while the IC of IgM did not.The immunohistochemical stain was stronger in high-cholesterol feed group than that in the simvastain-intervening groups.The distribution of immune complexes was under the endothelium in the early plaque while mainly localized in the core or the shoulder of mature plaque lesions. Conclusion: The IC of IgG exists in the plaque lesions of AS.The IC is close related to the origin and the progress of AS.Simvastatin can inhibit the formation of IC as well as lowering the lipid levels and regressing the plaque,which maybe related to it's effect on the immunomodulation.