Increased inflammatory cell infiltration and matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in atherosclerotic plaque of diabetic rabbits

Objective The aim of the present study was to examine levels of inflammatory cell infiltration and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression in atherosclerotic plaques of diabetic rabbits. Methods Diabetes was induced in rabbits by alloxan injection, and atherosclerotic plaque formation was stimulated both in diabetic and non-diabetic (sham-injected) rabbits by balloon injury of the abdominal aorta together with high lipid feeding. The morphology of atherosclerosis thus generated was studied by angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Transverse sections of diseased aorta were examined by immunohistochemistry to analyze numbers of macrophages and smooth muscle cells as well as expression of MMP-1.