Expression of ectopic trypsin in atherosclerotic plaques and the effects of aprotinin on plaque stability.

Background: Our previous research revealed that trypsin is abundantly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and its distribution overlaps with that of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). This study was performed to explore the possible roles of trypsin in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Methods And Results: Twenty-four rabbits were randomly assigned to a normal (control) group, an atherosclerosis (experimental) group and a trypsin inhibitor (aprotinin) group.