Proliferation of arterial cells in atherosclerosis.

Abstract

The role of cell proliferation in atherosclerosis has received much attention. It has been suggested for many years that the increase in cells during the formation of intimal lesions may be due to intrinsic proliferation. This hypothesis was based mainly on the observation of mitotic figures in the smooth muscle and foam cells of atherosclerotic plaques, even though mitoses were seen only rarely. On the other hand, it was proposed but never definitely established that migration of cells from the circulation, endothelium or media accounts for the cellular growth of the lesions. Monocytes, endothelial cells, and medial smooth muscle cells thus have been implicated.