Transmission electron microscopic observations on the aortic intimal changes in the early stages of experimental atherosclerosis
Su, Y.H.; Li, J.
Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi 16(4): 234-5 255
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-3758 PMID: 3229336 Document Number: 309266
The aortic intimal changes during the early stages of atherosclerosis in albino rabbits were observed by transmission electron microscopy in order to control corresponding SEM results. The following main results were obtained: (1) The TEM equivalents of hillock-like protuberance, bleb-like structure and crater-like pouch observed by SEM were found. The endothelial cells covering hillock-like protuberance contained more Golgi complex. It indicated that the endothelial function was active. (2) Round endothelial cells were seen. They contained lumps of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Some of them contained secondary lysosomes and vacuoles. These cells had a tendency of transforming into foam cells. (3) The individual foam cells with irregular shape were observed in the subendothelium of the aortas from the animals fed with hyperliposis diet for 15 days. Myofibril was seen in their cytoplasm. (4) Some individual spherical foam cells contacted closely with the endothelium and protruded into the lumen with the endothelium. It formed the individual spherical proturberance observed by SEM. Based on the above observation, the mechanisms of the occurrence of the nonspecific endothelial lesions and the origin of the foam cells were discussed.