Expression and Cellular Localization of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques

Abstract Background and Aims The CXCR4/CXCL12 complex has already been associated with progression of atherosclerosis; however, its exact role is yet unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression and cellular localization of CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Methods Carotid plaques ( n = 58; 31 stable, 27 unstable, based on histological characterization of plaque morphology) were obtained during carotid endarterectomy, and 10 healthy vessels were used as a control. Expression of cxcr4 , cxcr7 , cxcl12 , ccl2/ccr2 and csf1/csf1r was analysed at mRNA, and level expression of CXCR4, CXCR7 and CXCL12 was analysed at protein level. Cellular localization was determined using consecutive and double immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and microdissection. Results At mRNA level, cxcr4, cxcr7 and cxcl12 were significantly higher expressed in stable carotid plaques compared with controls ( p = 0.011, p