The CCR5 chemokine receptor mediates vasoconstriction and stimulates intimal hyperplasia in human vessels in vitro.

Aims: The chemokine receptor CCR5 and its inflammatory ligands have been linked to atherosclerosis, an accelerated form of which occurs in saphenous vein graft disease. We investigated the function of vascular smooth muscle CCR5 in human coronary artery and saphenous vein, vascular tissues susceptible to atherosclerosis, and vasospasm.

Methods And Results: CCR5 ligands were vasoconstrictors in saphenous vein and coronary artery.