Effect of human native low-density and high-density lipoproteins on prostaglandin production by mouse macrophage cell line P388D1: possible implications in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Macrophages have been shown to play a key-role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Monocyte attraction and activation in the arterial wall lead to foam cell formation, cholesterol accumulation and secretion of inflammation mediators. Among macrophage secretions, prostacyclin and thromboxane are prostaglandins involved in the regulation of coagulation and vascular permeability.