Atherogenesis: Initiating Factors

Abstract

This symposium is concerned with mechanisms in the development of early atheromata. Twenty-two exceptionally well-chosen investigators describe their recent, important contributions that lead to a better understanding of atherogenesis. C. W. M. Adams and E. B. Smith elegantly describe the entry of lipoproteins into the arterial wall and their breakdown and the permanent accumulation of lipids in the atheromatous plaque. Other outstanding contributions are "The Regulation of Cell Cholesterol Content and Its Role in Atherogenesis" by J. Martyn Bailey and superb contributions by D. L. Fry and C. G. Caro on the role of rheology in atherogenesis. The Steins of Jerusalem report beautiful studies on the accumulation and breakdown of lipoproteins in the arterial wall. Their studies incorporate a study of aortic lipotropic enzymes, radioactive iodine-labelled lipoproteins, and radioautography. Horseradish peroxidase and electron microscopy were used to study the migration of lipoproteins via plasmalemmal vesicles into the arterial wall. There