Smooth muscle cells and atherosclerosis.

The role of smooth muscle cells in atherogenesis involves cell proliferation and accretion of cholesteryl ester. Smooth muscle cell proliferation, controlled by growth factors produced locally, contributes to progression of atheroma and to restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Accretion of cholesteryl ester in smooth muscle cells is mediated by factors secreted by macrophages. Induction of the scavenger receptor in smooth muscle cells may promote the transformation to foam cells. Novel approaches to combat restenosis include gene transfer into smooth muscle cells using different vectors.