[Functional morphology of the lymph nodes and spleen in atherogenesis]

The composition and functional activity of lymphocytes populating T- and B-zones of human lymph nodes and spleen in atherogenesis were studied. Structural, functional alterations first involved T- and B-zones of the spleen and para-aortal lymph nodes this being probably conditioned by immune response to formation of autoantigenic forms of apoB-containing lipoproteins. Along with the development of atherosclerotic damage to the arteries the immunomorphological restructuration became more generalized and could be observed in the lymph nodes non-regional to the aorta. These changes were obviously connected at a higher degree with the development of sensitization to the vascular wall antigens.