MONOCYTE-MACROPHAGE INFILTRATION IN THE EARLY ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS OF HUMAN AORTA

Human thoracic aorta was taken from trauma victims aged from 6 to 40 years. Cell composition of the intimal layer was investigated in the lesion predisposed (LP) areas of the aorta and in the lesion resistant (LR) areas. By double immunofluorescent staining with mono and polyclonal antibodies to monocytes/macrophages (Mn/Mph) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) the presence of Mn/Mph was revealed in all aortas studied. The number of these cells was 2-6 fold higher in LP areas, compared to LR areas in all persons over 21 years of age. Scanning electron microscopy revealed Mn on the luminal surface of the vessel the number of which was frequently higher in LP areas. Mn/Mph in LP areas were heterogenous in their structure depending on the depth of their localization in the intima. The revealed Mn/Mph infiltration in aortas of young subjects may be the earliest manifestation of the atherosclerotic lesion.