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[Heterogeneity of human aortic and arterial endothelium: quantitative study using scanning electron microscopy]
Insights
Endothelial cells in children
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- The aortic and iliac artery endothelium differs between children and adults.
- Atherosclerosis alters endothelial cell morphology in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological differences in the arterial endothelium between children and adults.
- To identify potential markers of early atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of aortic and iliac artery endothelial lining.
- Cellular analysis of endotheliocytes in healthy children and adults with atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- Children's endothelium is a homogeneous layer of small/medium cells.
- Adults with atherosclerosis exhibit heterogeneous endothelium with polymorphous cells.
- Large and giant endotheliocytes are prevalent in atherosclerotic plaques (25-51% of cells).
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cell size and arrangement vary significantly with age and atherosclerosis.
- Areas of low-density endothelium with large/giant cells may indicate arterial involvement in atherogenesis.
Abstract:
Endothelial lining of the aorta and iliac artery of children under 7 years of age is a homogeneous layer covered with small and medium-sized cells. Large and giant endotheliocytes can only be seen in lipid streaks. In adults with marked atherosclerosis aged 40-75 years, the surface of aortal and arterial lumen is a heterogeneous monolayer covered with polymorphous cells. In lipid streaks and on plaques large and giant endotheliocytes account for 25-41% of total cell population, with giant cells covering up to 50% of the plaque surface. It is suggested that monolayer areas of low and very low density, covered with large and giant cells, can be morphologic markers of arterial involvement in the atheromatous process.