EARLY CHANGES IN THE ARTERIAL ENDOTHELIUM UNDER VARIOUS PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: An Electron Histochemical Study with Visualization of Altered Permeability Using Electron Microscopic Tracers

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Abstract
Endothelial changes in the aorta and the arteries of heart, kidney and other organs in cholesterol fed rabbits and endotoxin administrated rats through electron histochemical and vascular clearnace methods were studied. The vascular changes are variable due to the functional and morphological difference of vessels. The administration of cholesterol and endotoxin may result in increased vascular permeability enzymes in the vascular wall. Horseradish peroxidase and dextran fesin used as tracers of different molecular sizes confirmed that the permeability of high molecular substances was enhanced when the intercellular space was widened, when the endothelium contracted and the molecular structure of plasma membrane changed with plasm lipid, platelets and hemodynamic stress. Direct injury and subsequent abnormal contraction of the endothelial cell may initiate increased permeability of plasma protein and lipid in the medial layer and eventually may develop and enhance arteriosclerosis.