Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-dlnhk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T07:06:13.844Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Typical Atherosclerotic Plaque Morphology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 July 2008

R. N. Poston*
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Guy's Campus, King's College London, United Kingdom
D. R.M. Poston
Affiliation:
Ideaworks3D, London EC1, United Kingdom
Get access

Abstract

Atherosclerosis always develops in plaques, and the reasons are not clear. We test the hypothesis that plaque morphology results from a self-perpetuating propagating process driven by macrophages (Mphs). A computer model of atherogenesis was written in which the computer screen represents a surface view of a flattened area of an arterial wall on which greatly accelerated atherogenesis is depicted. Rate of Mph recruitment from blood monocytes is set as a steeply rising function of the number of Mphs locally present. Smooth muscle accumulation depends on Mph number, Mphs have a probability of death/loss, and lipid accumulation results directly from the death of Mphs. The program runs in reiterative cycles. From an initially normal wall, fatty streak-like foci of Mphs form at random sites, which may progress or regress. Some develop into progressive focal lesions resembling advanced plaques, which are Mph-rich and have a central fibrous cap-like central region of smooth muscle cells. Lipid accumulates centrally in them. To investigate a fetal origin of atherosclerosis, the simulation was initially loaded with Mphs: lesion development was greatly enhanced. These results strongly resemble atherosclerosis in vivo, and support the Mph-dependent hypothesis of spreading plaque growth. 


Type
Research Article
Copyright
© EDP Sciences, 2007

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

OLM - mmnp 2 (2) 2007 - movie 1 - Typical Atherosclerotic Plaque Morphology

Movie 1

Download OLM - mmnp 2 (2) 2007 - movie 1 - Typical Atherosclerotic Plaque Morphology(Video)
Video 2.4 MB

OLM - mmnp 2 (2) 2007 - movie 2 - Typical Atherosclerotic Plaque Morphology

Movie 2

Download OLM - mmnp 2 (2) 2007 - movie 2 - Typical Atherosclerotic Plaque Morphology(Video)
Video 3.9 MB

OLM - mmnp 2 (2) 2007 - movie 3 - Typical Atherosclerotic Plaque Morphology

Movie 3

Download OLM - mmnp 2 (2) 2007 - movie 3 - Typical Atherosclerotic Plaque Morphology(Video)
Video 7.1 MB