Atherosclerosis and chlamydiae

Article By:

Campbell, Lee Ann Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Last reviewed:1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB990185

Atherosclerosis is the development of yellowish plaques (atheromas) within the intima and inner media of arteries. A variety of cell types accumulate in the developing atherosclerotic plaque, including modified smooth muscle cells, monocytes/macrophages, and T lymphocytes. The presence of leukocytes in human atherosclerotic plaques suggests that atherosclerosis may be a type of subacute or chronic inflammation. The initial event in atherogenesis is generally believed to be endothelial activation or injury, which induces a local immune response. As a result, monocytes and T lymphocytes from the bloodstream invade the damaged arterial wall. An accumulation of monocytes and T lymphocytes within the intima represents the early lesion or fatty streak. The advanced atherosclerotic lesion (fibrolipid plaque) consists of a cholesterol- and lipid-rich core that contains lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) and is covered by a fibrous cap of connective tissue. Thus, the two major hallmarks of atherosclerosis are cell proliferation and blood lipid infiltration. Recent investigations have shown an association between chlamydiae, which are common bacterial pathogens, and atherosclerosis.

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