Detection of cholesterol associated with calcium mineral using confocal fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract

The presence of cholesterol within the center of calcified granules from atherosclerotic plaque suggests that cholesterol or associated lipids may act to nucleate the deposition of apatite. Confocal fluorescence microscopy should be a useful technique by which to study the relationship of cholesterol associated with calcium minerals that occur not only in atherosclerotic blood vessels, but also in gallstones, and calcified cardiac valves.