Hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor, and macrophages in human atherosclerotic plaques are correlated with intraplaque angiogenesis.

Objectives: We sought to examine the presence of hypoxia in human carotid atherosclerosis and its association with hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF) and intraplaque angiogenesis.

Background: Atherosclerotic plaques develop intraplaque angiogenesis, which is a typical feature of hypoxic tissue and expression of HIF.

Methods: To examine the presence of hypoxia in atherosclerotic plaques, the hypoxia marker pimonidazole was infused before carotid endarterectomy in 7 symptomatic patients.