TSP-1, TSP-2, and TSP-5 demonstrate sexual dimorphism in intimal hyperplasia in rats and mice

Thrombospondins (TSPs) are matricellular proteins involved in intimal hyperplasia (IH). We demonstrate in vitro, TSP-1, TSP-2, and TSP-5 affect one another and influence vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. In vivo, using a rat and mouse model of IH, we show that TSPs demonstrate a sexual dimorphism that may explain differences between male and female IH. Particularly, TSP-1 and TSP-2 appear to be strong mediators of IH in males only.