Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2011, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (6): 1083-1087.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2011.06.029

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Changes in the number of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells and intracranial aneurysm formation

Xu Yong, Zhang Jian-ning   

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin  300052, China
  • Received:2010-12-07 Revised:2011-01-05 Online:2011-02-05 Published:2011-02-05
  • Contact: Zhang Jian-ning, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China jianningzhang@hotmail.com
  • About author:Xu Yong★, Studying for master’s degree, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China stevekxy0731@gmail.com
  • Supported by:

    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30772229*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The endothelial dysfunction is a trigger in cerebral aneurysm formation. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in repair of the damaged endothelium.
OBJECTIVE: To establish rat models of cerebral aneurysm, and to explore changes in the number of EPCs and significance in rats with aneurysm.
METHODS: A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. The rats in the normal group were left intact. Cerebral aneurysm was induced by ligating the left common carotid artery and posterior branches of the bilateral renal arteries in the model group. After the surgery, the rats were fed a high-salt diet containing 8% sodium chloride. Changes in EPCs of rats were measured at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3 months. The systemic blood pressure and the size of aneurysm were evaluated at 3 months in each group. Gene expression of willis circle was detected using RT-PCR.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: EPCs number was significantly decreased in the model group (41±7) at 2 weeks, and there were significant differences between model and normal groups (P < 0.05). The decrease could be detectable at 3 months (P < 0.01). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression was significantly greater in the aneurysm wall of rats from the model group compared with normal group (P < 0.01). The endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression was significantly lower in the model group compared with the normal group (P< 0.05). Results suggested that the decrease in the number of circulating EPCs may be a key factor for aneurysm formation.

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