Enhanced expression of a high-molecular-weight protein in arteriosclerotic plaques

Abstract We report the detection of a high-molecular-weight protein which is present in the 12,000 × g supernatant of arteriosclerotic plaques from the abdominal aortas of cockerels. The protein has a molecular weight of 160–170 kd when resolved via sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (7.5%) in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol. Densitometric scans of silver-stained gels indicate that the 160 kd protein is 8–10 times more prominent in plaques than in the underlying artery wall. This protein, which is present in all plaques analyzed to date, can be detected in animals as young as 8 weeks of age. This represents the first demonstration of the elaboration of a unique protein during the early stages of arteriosclerotic plaque development.