Regional aortic differences in atherosclerosis susceptibility

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Abstract
In spontaneously atherosclerosis-susceptible White Carneau pigeons intimai cushions are noted consistently at the coeliac branch of aorta at birth. While these cushions do not progress into atherosclerotic lesions, the area across from the cushion (so called “lesion area”) develop a classic atherosclerotic plaque by three years of age. In order to explain this regional aortic susceptibility to atherosclerosis, cholesterol and cholesteryl ester concentrations and prostaglandin biosynthesis in the two aortic regions were examined. It was found that the concentration of free and esterified cholesterol was higher in the intimai cushion area. Examination of the formation of various prostaglandins from C14-arachidonic acid indicates a striking increase in PGE2 synthesis in the lesion area with no difference in the formation of 6-keto PGF1α (stable product of PGI2). These studies suggest that one of the earliest changes noted in the “lesion area” that differs from the intimai cushion is the enhanced formation of PGE2.