PMID: 7539491Dec 1, 1994Paper

Cell biology of atherosclerosis

Journal of Hypertension. Supplement : Official Journal of the International Society of Hypertension
J H Campbell, G R Campbell

Abstract

FATTY STREAKS: The precursors of atherosclerotic plaques, fatty streaks, are subendothelial aggregations of lipid-filled macrophages which appear in human arteries within the first decade of life. Some fatty streaks disappear while others progress to fibrous plaques by about the fourth decade. The major cells comprising plaques are phenotypically modified, smooth-muscle, monocyte-derived, macrophages and T lymphocytes. The monocyte/macrophages and T lymphocytes are chemoattracted into the vessel wall by substances such as oxidized lipoprotein following their adhesion to a dysfunctional endothelium (caused for example by hyperlipidaemia, hypertension or diabetes). The macrophages and T lymphocytes produce specific matrix-degrading enzymes that initiate smooth muscle phenotypic change to a state in which they are responsive to a vast array of mitogens released by cells within the artery wall and by degranulating platelets. Cytokines also released are mediators of an immune response. These processes result in the formation of a thick fibrous cap of proliferated, phenotypically modified, smooth muscle cells and the extracellular matrix that they have produced, overlying a laterally placed cellular region of macrophages, T lymphocyt...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atherosclerosis Disease Progression

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque on artery walls, causing stenosis which can eventually lead to clinically apparent cardiovascular disease. Find the latest research on atherosclerosis disease progression here.

Adhesion Molecules in Health and Disease

Cell adhesion molecules are a subset of cell adhesion proteins located on the cell surface involved in binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix in the process called cell adhesion. In essence, cell adhesion molecules help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. Cell adhesion is a crucial component in maintaining tissue structure and function. Discover the latest research on adhesion molecule and their role in health and disease here.