IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF LIPOPROTEIN(A) DEPOSITION AND INFLAMMATORY CELLS IN CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS

The depostion of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) of coronary sclerosis was immu nohistochemically studied by using 9 autopsy cases and compared with t he infiltration of the inflammatory cells such as macrophages (Mp), T- lymphocytes (T-cells) and B-lymphocytes. Lp(a) deposition was recogniz ed in 6 cases out of 9. The type of atherosclerosis was classified acc ording to the classification of the American Heart Association. In the initial lesions, type I, tp(a) was deposited unevenly in the subintim al region and the infiltration of Mp was recognized without lymphocyte s. In the advanced lesion, type III, Lp(a) was deposited primarily amo ng extracellular tissues. In the more advanced lesion, type IV, Lp(a) was identified within Mp as well. In the shoulder region of the advanc ed lesion, the Lp(a) deposition and the infiltration of Mp and T-cells were recognized to colocalize in the limited zone without smooth musc le cells. This finding suggested this limited zone would be vulnerable to stress and induce the following rupture of the lipid cor. In addit ion, Lp(a) was deposited and formed double layers in the advanced scle rotic fibrous lesion. These pathological findings suggested the import ance of Lp(a) in atherosclerosis and the subsequent rupture of the adv anced lesion in relation to inflammatory cells.