[Dynamics of the activity of energy metabolism and lysosomal enzymes in experimental atherosclerosis (a quantitative...

A quantitative biochemical study of patterns of energy and lysosomic enzymes in cellular elements of the rabbit aorta under induced atherosclerosis showed these enzymes to be activated during earlier atherogenetic stages associated with the formation of atherosclerotic patches in the intima, an evidence of functional adaptation of the aortal wall building up the defence mechanisms against adversary effects of cholesterol and other lipids. Once marked atherosclerotic patches have been formed in the aorta, adaptive potentials of enzyme systems are exhausted and further changes in their activity can result in processes conducive to the development of experimental atherosclerosis.