Abstract
Elastin is the major extracellular matrix component synthesized, secreted and deposited by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the arterial media and thus plays an important role in vascular homeostasis. Results of our previous studies showed that 1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-calcitriol] accelerates proliferation of SMCs and modulates their growth in vitro. The aim of this study was to find ultrastructural support for the idea that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-calcitriol affects elastic fibre formation due to accelerated proliferation of aortal SMCs in vitro. SMCs exposed 10 days to supraphysiological concentration (10 nM) of calcitriol in primary culture were examined by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Morphological studies revealed that calcitriol altered elastin maturation by favouring accumulation of immature rather than fully processed elastic fibres. A substantial decrease in the amorphous elastin deposition and abnormal accumulation of microfibrillar component, in thickened multilayer culture, were observed. These studies suggest that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) affect formation of elastic fibres due to enhanced proliferation of SMCs in culture.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.