The Role of Endothelial Cells in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Using mainly rabbits and rats investigations on the endothelial permeability of the aorta, on relation between thrombus formation and endothelial damage, and on tissue culture of the endothelial cells of the rabbit aorta have been carried out. The permeability of endothelial layer of rabbit aorta Increased by cholesterol‐feeding. This seems to be derived from morphological and functional disorder of the endothelial cells. As a hemodynamic effect of blood flow, increased permeability of the endothelium of rat aorta was also found in experimental renal hypertension. Accumulation of blood‐plasma components (edema) was seen in the subendothellal area in cholesterol‐fed rabbit aorta and in hypertensive rat aorta. Long‐standing subendothellal edema is considered to be the cause of fibrous intlmal thickening (Grade I lesion/Nakashlma). Endothelial defect of the aorta due to various damages is related to thrombus formation, and this seems to be accelerated by cholesterol feeding. Morphological differences between normal endothelium and that of atherosclerotic lesion in human and in rabbit aortas can be seen. Tissue culture of the endothelium was performed in vivo and in vitro, and some discussions were made on the characteristics of cultured endothelial cells.

Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopic Observation of Endothelial Cells in the Normal Condition and in Initial Stages of Atherosclerosis

“…( 14) In all animals of the placebo control group challenged with either cholesterol or epinephrine, endothelial folds of the aortas exhibited a definite edematous feature and irregularity ; also, the long bridge-like structures exhibited an edematous swelling and elongation (Pigs. 8, 9 and 12).…”