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Macrophages and mast cells are involved in carotid plaque instability

A Marzullo1, M M Ciccone, Claudia Covelli

  • 1Department Pathology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.

Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology = Revue Roumaine De Morphologie Et Embryologie
|November 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Symptomatic carotid plaques show higher microvascular density and more macrophages and mast cells than asymptomatic ones. These factors may help distinguish between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Immunology
  • Histopathology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of stroke, particularly carotid artery disease.
  • Understanding plaque characteristics is crucial for predicting clinical outcomes.
  • Macrophages and mast cells play roles in plaque inflammation and instability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of macrophages, mast cells, and microvascular density in carotid atherosclerotic plaques.
  • To compare these features between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

Main Methods:

  • Histopathological analysis of carotid plaques from 63 patients.
  • Quantification of macrophages (CD68-positive), mast cells (tryptase-positive), and microvascular density.
  • Comparison between symptomatic and asymptomatic patient groups.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in stenosis degree, lipid core extent, fibrous cap thickness, inflammatory infiltrate, calcification, or intraplaque hemorrhage.
  • Significantly higher microvascular density in symptomatic plaques.
  • Increased numbers of CD68-positive macrophages and tryptase-positive mast cells in symptomatic plaques.

Conclusions:

  • Symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques share similar histomorphological features.
  • Microvascular density, macrophage infiltration, and mast cell presence are higher in symptomatic plaques.
  • These cellular and vascular differences may aid in differentiating symptomatic from asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.

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