THE RÔLE OF ELASTIC TISSUE IN THE FORMATION OF THE ARTERIOSCLEROTIC LESION

Abstract

Data are reviewed which indicate that arteriosclerosis is a dual process involving aging of the arterial wall and cholesterol accumulation in the intima. Calcification of senescent elastic tissue in the media occurs with or without atheromatosis. When the 2 co-exist, analyses indicate that cholesterol accumulates in the intimal plaque after the underlying media has undergone elastic tissue calcification. It is suggested that aging of the arterial wall establishes a substrate for penetration and accumulation of cholesterol and that without such changes in the arterial wall, cholesterol will not accumulate in the lining of arteries.