Reappraisal of the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
New Zealand rabbits were fed an atherogenic diet, 8 with and 8 without twice weekly intravenous injections of GdCl2. The injections caused a reduction in the phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system by one fourth to one half. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the planimetric extent of atheromata in the aortae. GdCl2 treatment inhibited the deposition of sudanophilic lipids in depth of the arterial wall. The findings indicate that macrophages are the primary foam cells and their uptake of lipoproteins is essential for the deposition of lipids in myocytes. Lipid-laden myocytes and ground substance mucopolysaccharides represent sinks in which lipids are removed from the flow and accumulate locally.
Wolman
M
M
Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv University, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Israel.
Gaton
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000378:metabolism; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000494:pharmacology; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits
D008074:Lipoproteins; D005682:Gadolinium; C038958:gadolinium chloride