The role of integrins in saphenous vein vascular smooth muscle cell migration

AbstractPurpose: Smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration is an essential feature of the intimal hyperplastic process that so frequently limits the patency of vascular reconstructions. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of a series of integrins, or cell surface receptors that mediate cellular attachment, on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein-induced migration of human SMCs.Methods: Immunofluorescence staining was used to search for various integrins and subunits on the surface of SMCs derived from human saphenous vein. Chemotaxis and haptotaxis of SMCs to various matrix proteins and PDGF were assayed using a 48-well microchemotaxis chamber in the presence or absence of antibodies that blocked the function of these integrins.Results: Several subunits (β1, α2, α5) and one integrin (αvβ3) were identified in saphenous vein SMCs. The β1 integrin antibody inhibited chemotaxis to collagen I and IV, laminin, and PDGF. The α2 integrin antibody inhibited collagen I and IV, and laminin-induced chemotaxis. The α5 integrin antibody had no effect on SMC migration. The αvβ3 integrin antibody inhibited chemotaxis to PDGF but not to the ECM proteins.Conclusion: Integrins are necessary for SMC migration induced by PDGF and ECM proteins. The integrin or subunits responsible for facilitating migration varies with the stimulant. Agonists designed to inhibit integrin function might be used to suppress SMC migration and suppress the formation of intimal hyperplasia. (J Vasc Surg 1997;25:1061-9.