Nicotine Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice by Activating α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor on Mast Cells

OBJECTIVE—Cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Nicotine, the addictive component of cigarettes, induces mast cell (MC) release and contributes to atherogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether nicotine accelerates atherosclerosis through MC-mediated mechanisms and whether MC stabilizer prevents this pathological process. APPROACH AND RESULTS—Nicotine administration increased the size of atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E–deficient (Apoe) mice fed a fat-enriched diet. This was accompanied by enhanced intraplaque macrophage content and lipid deposition but reduced collagen and smooth muscle cell contents. MC deficiency in Apoe mice (ApoeKit) diminished nicotine-induced atherosclerosis. Nicotine activated bone marrow–derived MCs in vitro, which was inhibited by a MC stabilizer disodium cromoglycate or a nonselective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor blocker mecamylamine. Further investigation revealed that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was a target for nicotine activation in MCs. Nicotine did not change atherosclerotic lesion size of ApoeKit mice reconstituted with MCs from Apoeα7nAChR animals. CONCLUSIONS—Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on MCs is a mechanism by which nicotine enhances atherosclerosis.