['Apoptosis of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is a prominent pathological characteristic of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We have previously shown that SMC apoptosis stimulates proinflammatory signaling in a mouse model of AAA. Here, we test whether protein kinase C-δ (PKCδ), an apoptotic mediator, participates in the pathogenesis of AAA by regulating apoptosis and proinflammatory signals.', 'Mouse experimental AAA is induced by perivascular administration of CaCl(2). Mice deficient in PKCδ exhibit a profound reduction in aneurysmal expansion, SMC apoptosis, and transmural inflammation as compared with wild-type littermates. Delivery of PKCδ to the aortic wall of PKCδ(-/-) mice restores aneurysm, whereas overexpression of a dominant negative PKCδ mutant in the aorta of wild-type mice attenuates aneurysm. In vitro, PKCδ(-/-) aortic SMCs exhibit significantly impaired monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production. Ectopic administration of recombinant monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 to the arterial wall of PKCδ(-/-) mice restores inflammatory response and aneurysm development.'] Does elevated protein kinase C-δ contribute to aneurysm pathogenesis through stimulation of apoptosis and inflammatory signaling?