Phospholipid synthesis in the human arterial intima.

Abstract
Phospholipid synthesis in the arterial wall has been studied in isolated human blood vessels that have been incubated with inorganic P32, acetate C14, and palmitate C14. The results indicate that initimal phospholipid synthesis does occur and that the major phospho-lipids synthesized are the lecithins and cephalins. Sphingomyelin synthesis appears increased in atherosclerotic as compared with normal intima and may contribute to the observed accumulation of sphingomyelin in atherosclerotic plaques.