INTIMAL HEALING - PATTERN OF RE-ENDOTHELIALIZATION AND INTIMAL THICKENING

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 87  (1) , 125-142
Abstract
The basis of intimal proliferation and the identity of the surface lining cell in rabbit aortas subjected to extensive deendothelialization were investigated. Endothelial cells were selectively removed by passage of an inflated balloon catheter through the arterial lumen. The healing response was evaluated at intervals up to 36 wk by several techniques: permeability to Evans blue, reappearance of endothelial cells as indicated by the specific marker, adsorbed goat anti-rabbit tissue factor-horseradish peroxidase, planimetric measurements of intimal thickness and EM. Endothelial cell recovery apparently progressed slowly and extended only from areas spared denudation. The regions not covered by endothelial cells were lined by cells of smooth muscle cell origin. Such areas were permeable to Evans blue-protein complex, and their luminal smooth muscle cells were associated with connective tissue-like material at their luminal surface; this material apparently acted as a base for platelet accumulation. The lumen of the extensively denuded vessel is seemingly lined by either endothelial or smooth muscle cells; intimal healing is related to restoration of endothelial cell cover. Intimal thickening reached a maximum well before reendothelialization was complete. [Arteriosclerosis is discussed.].