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Endothelial injury in human atherosclerosis
G Pasquinelli1, A Cavazza, P Preda
1Institute of Clinical Electron Microscopy, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola, Italy.
Scanning Microscopy
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Human atherosclerotic lesions show endothelial injury, with complicated plaques featuring denuded surfaces and interactions between endothelium and blood components. These findings link endothelial changes to specific stages of atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Endothelial injury is implicated in atherosclerosis.
- Understanding human endothelial responses is crucial for disease progression insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endothelial injury features in human atherosclerotic carotid lesions.
- To correlate these features with specific stages of human atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Light and electron microscopy (scanning and transmission) were used.
- Analysis of 51 human atherosclerotic carotid lesions.
Main Results:
- Endothelium showed non-specific changes in all lesions.
- Complicated lesions were characterized by endothelial denudation.
- Interactions between endothelium, monocytes, lymphocytes, fibrin, and lipoproteins were observed in various lesion types.
- Macrophage-derived foam cells were exposed on fatty lesions.
- Degeneration and failed repair contributed to denudation in complicated plaques.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial injury and denudation are present in human atherosclerosis.
- These changes vary with lesion stage, particularly in complicated plaques.
- Endothelial interactions with blood components are significant in atherogenesis.