Quantitative studies of the interaction between plasma and tissue components in human intima.

Abstract

It is now apparent that the arterial endothelium does not form an impermeable barrier, and that plasma macromolecules pass across it into the arterial wall in substantial amounts, even in healthy young animals. A large number of plasma proteins have been identified in intima by immunological techniques, and the concentration of low density lipoprotein (LDL) in normal aortic intima of adult humans is highly correlated both with its concentration in the subjects plasma and with blood pressure level. (1,2) Localized areas containing excessive concentrations of plasma proteins have been identified by immunofluorescence (3) and quantitative Immunoelectrophoresis (1,2). It is suggested that these “insudation” or “gelatinous” lesions, which are characterised by a loosely structured proliferation of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibres, are the precursors of fibrous plaques.