Biological and biochemical properties of fibroblast growth factors. Implications for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

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Abstract
Ing that the ultimate atherosclerotic lesion is a complex and heterogeneous arrangement of rapidly proliferating and migrating cells that produce and support an active connective tissue matrix. Two major forms of atheroscle- rotic lesions have been described: the fatty streak and the fibrous plaque. Classic fatty streaks are raised, narrow, yellowed lesions that extend in the direction of blood flow. They are nonobstructive and are likely, but yet unproven, precursors of more advanced lesions. The streaks are characterized by subendothelial collections of foam cells, smooth muscle cells (SMC), T-lymphocytes, and an extra- cellular matrix of lipid, collagen, elastin, and proteo- glycan.2-3-4 Monoclonal antibody studies have shown that foam cells are primarily monocyte-derived macrophages and occasionally SMC that have imbibed cholesterol and cholesterol esters.5 The fundamental and characteristic lesion of advanced atherosclerosis is the fibrous plaque. The histobgical composition of this lesion is variable but typically consists of a necrotic core of cellular debris, lipid, cholesterol, and calcium deposits overlain by SMC, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes, all of which are capped by a layer of fibrous tissue that is composed of SMC, leukocytes, and a dense connective tissue matrix.8 Larger plaques are sur- rounded by a vasa vasorum that rises from the adventitia.7

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