In vivo alpha-V beta-3 integrin expression in human aortic atherosclerosis.

Objectives: Intraplaque angiogenesis and inflammation are key promoters of atherosclerosis and are mediated by the alpha-V beta-3 (αβ) integrin pathway. We investigated the applicability of the αβ-integrin receptor-selective positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer 18F-fluciclatide in assessing human aortic atherosclerosis.

Methods: Vascular 18F-fluciclatide binding was evaluated using ex vivo analysis of carotid endarterectomy samples with autoradiography and immunohistochemistry, and in vivo kinetic modelling following radiotracer administration.

Cardiac αβ integrin expression following acute myocardial infarction in humans.

Objective: Maladaptive repair contributes towards the development of heart failure following myocardial infarction (MI). The αβ integrin receptor is a key mediator and determinant of cardiac repair. We aimed to establish whether αβ integrin expression determines myocardial recovery following MI.