[Heterogeneity of human aortic and arterial endothelium: quantitative study using scanning electron microscopy]

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.