Pdgf-B Retention Motif Deletion Has Mural Cell-Independent Effects Including Leukocytosis And Increased Murine Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability Due To Macrophage Apoptosis And Decreased Mmp Activity

Background and Aims: Causality between intraplaque microvessel hyperpermeability and plaque instability remains to be addressed. Platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) recruits pericytes towards blood vessels through its retention in extracellular matrix. We hypothesized that intraplaque microvessel hyperpermeability could be mimicked with atherogenic PDGF-B retention motif knockout mice (PDGF-Bret/ret) and would exacerbate atherosclerosis.