Cholesterol Enrichment of Human Monocyte/Macrophages Induces Surface Exposure of Phosphatidylserine and the Release of Biologically-Active Tissue Factor–Positive Microvesicles

Abstract

Cholesterol enrichment of human monocyte/macrophages induces the generation of highly biologically active, PS-positive MVs, at least in part through induction of apoptosis. Cholesterol-induced monocyte/macrophage MVs, both TF-positive and TF-negative, may be novel contributors to atherothrombosis.