title: Atherosclerotic lesions in humans. In situ immunophenotypic analysis suggesting an immune mediated response.
abstract: The immunophenotypical features of the cellular infiltrates in different types of human atherosclerotic lesions, including diffuse intimal thickening as a potential but controversial precursor lesion, have been examined using monoclonal antibodies. Special emphasis is put on monocytes/macrophages, lymphocytes, and their possible interactions. Immuno-double staining techniques have been employed to study these aspects. T lymphocytes and macrophages were detected in diffuse intimal thickening, fatty streaks, and atheromatous plaques. In some lesions a predominance of suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes was found, whereas in other lesions mixtures of T suppressor/cytotoxic cells and T helper/inducer cells were found in ratios varying from 1:1 to 4:1. A substantial number of T cells and macrophages was considered to be immunoactivated because of the expression of HLA-DR and, to a lesser extent, of I12 receptor molecules. The activation was particularly evident at sites of close cell-to-cell contact between monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes. These observations suggest that a specific in situ immune mediated hypersensitivity reaction is associated with the development of atherosclerosis.
authors: Department of Pathology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: A C
authors: AC
authors: van der Wal
authors: P K
authors: PK
authors: Das
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Bentz van de Berg
authors: C M
authors: CM
authors: van der Loos
authors: A E
authors: AE
authors: Becker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008264:Macrophages / Q000145:classification; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000145:classification; D010641:Phenotype; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens