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Abstract 265: Platelet C-Type Lectinlike (CLEC)-2 Receptor Plays a Protective Role Against Development of Atherosclerosis in Atherosclerosis-Prone Mice

Background: Platelets can influence progression of plaque formation by facilitating recruitment of inflammatory cells at the sites of atherosclerotic lesions. A C-type lectin-like receptor, CLEC-2, abundantly expressed on the platelet surface, has been shown to regulate lymphatic development in utero though an interaction with Podoplanin. Interestingly, lymphatic vasculature is increased in ischemic and inflamed hearts, and in cholesterol-rich atherosclerotic lesions. Moreover, Podoplanin expression is up-regulated on inflammatory macrophages and on T-helper 17 cells. However, the role of the Podoplanin - CLEC-2 interaction in atherosclerosis remains unknown. Aim: We sought to investigate the role of CLEC-2 on atherosclerotic development in ApoE-deficient mice. Methods: CreERT.CLEC-2fl/fl x ApoE-/- and litter-matched ApoE-/- mice were treated with tamoxifen at the age of 9 weeks and were put on a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. Animals were killed at the age of 16 weeks, when platelet function assays and ather...