Scanning electron microscopy of early atherosclerosis in rabbits using aortic casts

Our research involves measuring the size and location of atherosclerotic lesions on the intimal surface of arteries. To this end we have developed a new method in which scanning electron micrographs of vascular casts with impressions of these lesions on their surface are used. This method is compared with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of tissue with lesions. All three methods are found to detect lesions equally well. We also examine the cellular elements in the lesion to determine how the images are formed.