The Cell Pathology of Human Atherosclerotic Lesions

Question 1

Which modern technique helped to study the cellular composition of atherosclerotic lesions?

Answer 1

Monoclonal antibodies

Question 2

What is the fibrous structure of the lesion composed of?

Answer 2

Collagen and other ECM components, with cells interspread between them

Question 3

Which cells did Virchow propose were the predominant cell type in the plaque?

Answer 3

Fibroblasts

Question 4

Explain how the actual cell types within the plaque were determined?

Answer 4

By using monoclonal antibodies targeted towards specific markers for cell antigens

Question 5

It was found that the predominant cells inside atherosclerotic lesions were….?

Answer 5

Smooth muscle cells

Question 6

Which are the less prominent cells in atherosclerotic lesions

Answer 6

Macrophages

Fibroblasts

Question 7

Why are the smooth muscle cells of atherosclerotic lesions almost unrecognizable?

Answer 7

Their morphology is very different to those of the media. They have undergone a phenotype-switch and are non-contractile (have a synthetic phenotype)

Question 8

Describe the properties of smooth muscle cells of the atherosclerotic lesion

Answer 8

‘Synthetic phenotype’
Cannot contract
‘Fibroblast-like’ thus produce collagen and other ECM components
Respond well to mitogens