Oxidized low‐density‐lipoprotein triggers programmed death of endothelial cells

Abstract

Abstract Incubation of bovine aortic as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells with either oxidized or native low‐density‐lipoprotein in the presence of trace amounts of copper induced morphological changes of the cells and chromatin fragmentation characteristic for programmed cell death. Shrinkage of cells was evident after 6 to 8 hours of incubation and clearly preceded release of lactate dehydrogenase as a marker of cell permeability. Condensation of nuclear chromatin and internucleosomal cleavage was demonstrated by Hoechst staining and gel electrophoresis, respectively. Thus, by inducing active death of endothelial cells oxidized low‐density‐lipoprotein might negatively influence tissue homeostasis of the endothelium and thereby promote the development of atherosclerotic plaques.