The water channel AQP1 is expressed in human atherosclerotic vascular lesions and AQP1 deficiency augments angiotensin II-induced atherosclerosis in mice.

Aim: The water channel aquaporin 1 (AQP1) promotes endothelial cell migration. It was hypothesized that AQP1 promotes neovascularization and growth of atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods: AQP1 immunoreactivity and protein abundance was examined in human and murine atherosclerotic lesions and aortic aneurysms.