Mass transport in arteries and the localization of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the large arteries that involves a characteristic accumulation of high-molecular-weight lipoprotein in the arterial wall. This review focuses on the mass transport processes that mediate the focal accumulation of lipid in arteries and places particular emphasis on the role of fluid mechanical forces in modulating mass transport phenomena. In the final analysis, four mass transport mechanisms emerge that may be important in the localization of atherosclerosis: blood phase controlled hypoxia, leaky endothelial junctions, transient intercellular junction remodeling, and convective clearance of the subendothelial intima and media. Further study of these mechanisms may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for atherosclerotic diseases.