Hypercoagulability Inhibits Monocyte Transendothelial Migration Through Protease-Activated Receptor-1-, Phospholipase-Cβ-, Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-, and Nitric Oxide-Dependent Signaling in Monocytes and Promotes Plaque Stability

Abstract

Here, we show a new function of the coagulation system, averting stenosis and plaque destabilization during de novo atherogenesis. The in vivo and in vitro data establish that thrombin-induced signaling via protease-activated receptor-1, phospholipase-Cbeta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and nitric oxide in monocytes impairs monocyte transendothelial migration. This likely accounts for the reduced macrophage accumulation in plaques of hypercoagulable mice. Thus, in contrast to their role in unstable plaques or after vascular injury, hypercoagulability and thrombin convey a protective effect during de novo atherogenesis.