Correlation between lipid deposition, immune-inflammatory cell content and MHC class II expression in diffuse intimal thickening of the human aorta.

Inflammatory reactions driven by an accumulation in the intima of immune-inflammatory cells and focal lipid depositions are the hallmarks of atherogenesis. It is commonly accepted that immune-inflammatory cell accumulation and lipid deposition are associated with the very earlier stage of atherosclerosis but no study has yet focused on the determination of quantitative values of this association. The present study examined correlations between lipid deposition, immune-inflammatory cell content and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule HLA-DR expression in diffuse intimal thickening (DIT), which is thought to represent the earliest macroscopic manifestation of atherosclerosis.

Widespread distribution of HLA-DR-expressing cells in macroscopically undiseased intima of the human aorta: a possible role in surveillance and maintenance of vascular homeostasis.

The architectonics and cell composition of the human large arteries are not sufficiently understood. The present study is the first to undertake an analysis of the distribution and quantities of HLA-DR-expressing cells in grossly undiseased human intima using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent analysis, complemented by the advantages of confocal microscopy. The study revealed a widespread distribution of HLA-DR-expressing cells throughout the intimal space where the cells were integrated into continuous networks via long cell processes.