Involvement of macrophages in accumulation and elimination of cholesterol ester in atherosclerotic aorta.

Selective removal of cholesterol esters in an arteriosclerotic region of blood vessels with a free-electron laser

“…In ad- vanced atherom atherosclerosis, a large amount of lipids, particularly cholesterol esters, accumulates on the arterial wall. In more advanced cases, the lipids also accumulate in the interstitial spaces [7]. The selective removal of cholesterol esters accumulated in the intracellular or extracellular spaces has clinical significance.…”

Infrared Free Electron Laser Induced Angioplasty for Arteriosclerotic Region of Blood Vessels

“…cholesteryl oleate was irradiated via the normal tissue; the following points have to be considered. (1) Whether enough power can be delivered to the lower cholesteryl oleate layer. (2) Whether the temperature rise in the upper normal tissue layer induces any thermal damage.…”

“…Cholesterol esters of fatty acids, such as oleic acid, are known to accumulate in arteriosclerotic regions 1,2) . It is important in the medical treatment of arteriosclerosis to remove cholesterol esters selectively without causing side effects.…”

“…However, most of the cholesterol in the arteriosclerotic region consists of cholesterol ester bound with fatty acids, which can exist stably and accumulate 1,2) . The atherosclerotic plaque is covered with endothelial cell layer with the thickness of 10-20 µm.…”

Cholesteryl Ester Accumulation in Foam Cells and Extracellular Space of Atherosclerotic Lesions

“…It was also suggested that the extracellular lipids originate from circulating lipoproteins penetrating endothelial cells and/or denatured lipoproteins derived from ruptured foam cells (3). The lipids deposited in the extracellular space may be endocytozed by macrophages and/or modified smooth muscle cells, resulting in the formation of foam cells.…”