Accumulation of LOX-1 Ligand in Plasma and Atherosclerotic Lesions of Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic Rabbits: Identification by a Novel Enzyme Immunoassay

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2001-03, Vol.282 (1), p.180-185
• Main Authors: Kakutani, Makoto, Ueda, Makiko, Naruko, Takahiko, Masaki, Tomoh, Sawamura, Tatsuya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Arteriosclerosis - metabolism; atherosclerosis; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Hyperlipidemias - blood; Hyperlipidemias - genetics; Hyperlipidemias - metabolism; Immunoenzyme Techniques - methods; Immunohistochemistry; lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1); Ligands; Lipoproteins, LDL - blood; Lipoproteins, LDL - metabolism; LOX-1 ligand; Rabbits; Receptors, LDL - metabolism; Receptors, Oxidized LDL; Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbit
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.4508

LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor) is a newly identified cell surface receptor for oxidized LDL mainly expressed in endothelial cells. Recombinant soluble LOX-1(LOX-Fc) was generated by fusing the extracellular domain of LOX-1 with the Fc portion of IgG. A novel sandwich enzyme immunoassay specific for LOX-1 ligand is designed, using LOX-Fc and anti-apoB antibody. This immunoassay was used to determine LOX-1 ligand activity in normal and Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit plasma. LOX-Fc was further applied for staining of atherosclerotic lesions of WHHL rabbits. LOX-1 ligand levels were significantly elevated in the plasma of hyperlipidemic rabbits compared with controls. Furthermore, LOX-1 ligand activity was detected in the atherosclerotic lesions in situ. These results support the potential roles of LOX-1 interacting with its ligand in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which is enhanced in hyperlipidemia.