Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Mouse Models for Graft Arteriosclerosis
Published on: May 14, 2013
Atrophy of the aortic media in giant cell arteritis
V Petursdottir1, E Nordborg, C Nordborg
1Department of Pathology, Sahlgren's University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Abstract:
Aortic tissue from seven patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) was investigated using light microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Four surgical cases and three autopsy cases were included. All the specimens displayed a severe reduction in the size and number of media smooth muscle cells immunopositive for alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). A subtotal loss of alpha-SMA-positive cells was seen in non-inflamed media tissue, continuing gradually towards multiple calcified acellular lesions totally devoid of alpha-SMA immunoreactivity. There was a slight to moderate granulomatous inflammatory reaction in the tissue surrounding part of the acellular lesions. Foreign body giant cell reaction and elastin degradation were found at the ends of the acellular calcified areas. The present findings indicate that the atrophy and the loss of alpha-SMA-positive cells in the aortic media in GCA is primary, and that the granulomatous reaction is secondary and directed against atrophic calcified media tissue.
More Related Videos
07:25Isolation and Excision of Murine Aorta; A Versatile Technique in the Study of Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: November 24, 2014
06:35An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care