Localization of T lymphocytes and macrophages in fibrous and complicated human atherosclerotic plaques.
The cellular composition of aortic atherosclerotic plaques was analyzed by immunocytochemistry using cell type-specific monoclonal antibodies. T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages were detected both in early, fibrous plaques, and in more advanced, complicated ones. Many smooth muscle cells in these plaques expressed the class II MHC antigen, HLA-DR. Since this antigen is inducible by T cell products, our findings suggest that T cell-smooth muscle interactions occur during atherogenesis.
Hansson
G K
GK
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Gothenburg University, Sahlgren's Hospital, Sweden.
Jonasson
L
L
Lojsthed
B
B
Stemme
S
S
Kocher
O
O
Gabbiani
G
G
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D003893:Desmin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D003893:Desmin