CD34 Class III positive cells are present in atherosclerotic plaques of the rabbit model of atherosclerosis

Abstract

CD34 is a positive marker for haematopoietic stem cells and endothelial cells. Recent evidence suggests that haematopoietic progenitor cells are involved in atherogenesis. CD34-positive haematopoietic progenitor cells have never been described in rabbit atherosclerotic tissues. The aim of this study is to identify CD34-positive haematopoietic progenitor cells in rabbit atherosclerotic tissues, and to compare this with macrophage (RAM-11), alpha smooth muscle cell actin and fibroblast (prolyl-4-hydroxylase) immunoreactive cells. Sixteen Male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two groups: Group 1, control diet (Con); group 2, 0.5% cholesterol diet, and killed after 12 weeks. Immunohis..