Expression of elastin, FBXW2, fibrillin-1, and α-smooth muscle actin in damaged blood vessels of bovine legs

Elastic fibers present within the internal and external elastic laminae play a vital role in maintaining the health of blood vessels. The impairment of smooth muscle cell function results in the development of vascular diseases. In this study, blood vessels from bovine legs were carefully examined in culture dishes for 5 weeks. Examination of elastin, F-box and WD-40 domain-containing protein 2 (FBXW2), and fibrillin-1 in serial sections revealed that elastin and FBXW2 were present in the internal and external elastic laminae, whereas fibrillin-1 was present outside of them. After 5 weeks, elastin and FBXW2 maintained the shape of the elastic lamina, whereas the fibrillin-1-rich layer spread and migrated from the elastic lamina. When the blood vessel lumen was blocked by tissue rich in fibrillin-1, -smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression weakened. Although elastin and fibrillin-1 are components of elastic fibers, this study revealed that fibrillin-1 has a role different from that of elastin. This in vitro model is useful for identifying the mechanisms underlying vascular degradation.