Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Three-Dimensional Imaging of Aortic Tissues in Atherosclerosis
09:55

Three-Dimensional Imaging of Aortic Tissues in Atherosclerosis

Published on: October 25, 2024

Ultrastructural features of blood cells in atherosclerosis

Ana Capisizu1, Doina Onicescu, N Ionescu

  • 1St. Lucas Geriatrics Hospital, Bucharest. anacapisizu@yahoo.com

Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology = Revue Roumaine De Morphologie Et Embryologie
|May 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Electron microscopy revealed significant morphological changes in agranulocytes and platelets of patients with atherosclerosis. Erythrocytes showed minor shape variations, while granulocytes had minimal ultrastructural alterations.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Hematology
  • Cellular Morphology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting arteries.
  • Understanding cellular changes in atherosclerosis is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Peripheral blood cells may exhibit characteristic alterations in atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ultrastructural changes in peripheral blood cells of patients with atherosclerosis.
  • To identify specific cell types most affected by the disease process.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood samples were collected from 10 patients diagnosed with atherosclerosis (aged 50-70).
  • Blood cells were isolated and analyzed using high-resolution electron microscopy.
  • Morphological characteristics of granulocytes, agranulocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets were examined.

Main Results:

  • Agranulocytes and platelets exhibited the most prominent and characteristic morphological modifications.
  • Erythrocytes displayed mild anisocytosis (variation in size) and poikilocytosis (variation in shape).
  • Granulocytes showed only minor, insignificant changes at the ultrastructural level.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis significantly impacts the morphology of agranulocytes and platelets.
  • Electron microscopy is a valuable tool for detecting cellular alterations in atherosclerosis.
  • Further research can explore the functional consequences of these observed morphological changes.

More Related Videos

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients09:09

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients

Published on: April 3, 2026

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus06:43

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus

Published on: December 7, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Structure of Blood Vessels01:15

Structure of Blood Vessels

Blood is circulated throughout the human body through a network of blood vessels called the circulatory system. This system includes arteries that transport blood from the heart to various body parts. These arterial pathways divide into smaller vessels until they reach the arterioles, which further split into capillaries. It is within these minuscule capillaries that the exchange of nutrients and waste products takes place. After this exchange, the blood is collected by venules, which fuse to...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...