Targeting blood thrombogenicity precipitates atherothrombotic events in a mouse model of plaque destabilization

Although some features of plaque instability can be observed in genetically modified mouse models, atherothrombosis induction in mice has been attested to be difficult. We sought to test the hypothesis that alterations in blood thrombogenicity might have an essential role in the development of atherothrombosis in ApoE−/− mice. In a mouse model of plaque destabilization established in our laboratory, we targeted blood thrombogenicity by systemically overexpressing murine prothrombin via adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. Systemic overexpression of prothrombin increased blood thrombogenicity, and remarkably, precipitated atherothrombotic events in 70% of the animals. The affected plaques displayed features of culprit lesions as seen in human coronary arteries, including fibrous cap disruption, luminal thrombosis, and plaque hemorrhage. Treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel substantially reduced the incidence of atherothrombosis in this model. Mechanistically, increased inflammation, apoptosis and upregulation of metalloproteinases contributed to the development of plaque destabilization and atherothrombosis. As conclusions, targeting blood thrombogenicity in mice can faithfully reproduce the process of atherothrombosis as occurring in human coronary vessels. Our results suggest that blood-plaque interactions are critical in the development of atherothrombosis in mice, substantiating the argument that changes in blood coagulation status may have a determinant role in the onset of acute coronary syndrome.