Co-localization of terminal C5b-9 complement complexes and macrophages in human atherosclerotic arterial walls.
The co-localization of terminal C5b-9 complement complexes and macrophages was investigated in human arteries with atherosclerosis using a double-labeling immunohistochemical technique. Macrophages were found in all the atherosclerotic arteries, with the accumulation correlating positively with the degree of atherosclerosis. This accumulation was associated with an increase of C5b-9 deposits, as well as with an increase in the number of deposits containing both complement components and macrophages ('co-localization'). This co-localization was found to pertain both to intact macrophages and to macrophage remnants. These data suggest that C5b-9 complement complex might be formed on macrophages with subsequent promotion of inflammatory events and progression of the atherosclerotic lesions.
Rus
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HG
Medical Clinic No. 1, 3-5 Clinicilor, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Niculescu
F
F
Vlaicu
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged
D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins