Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Activation Does Not Affect Re-Endothelialization but Reduces Intimal Hyperplasia via Direct Effects on Smooth Muscle Cells in a Nondiabetic Model of Arterial Injury

Abstract

Exendin-4 selectively reduced the proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and intimal hyperplasia in vivo without affecting the re-endothelialization process, but treatment with exendin-4 improved arterial wall elasticity. Our data also show that exendin-4 significantly decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of SMCs in vitro, effects that appear to be mediated through cAMP signaling and endothelial nitric oxide synthase following GLP-1 receptor activation. Together, these effects of exendin-4 are highly desirable and may lead to an improved outcome for patients undergoing vascular interventions.