Aortic endothelial and sub-endothelial lesions in early stages of experimental atherogenesis and in scurvy.

The endothelial and sub-endothelial lesions during early stages of experimental atherogenesis and scurvy have been studied by means of scanning EM and transmission EM, making use also of the Con-A reaction. The surface coat modifications were accompanied by formation of vacuoles in the endothelial cells and by sub-endothelial 'oedema', not only in rabbits fed a hypercholesterolic diet but also in scorbutic guinea pigs. The endothelial lesions were sometimes found even before clear modifications of the Con-A surface reactive layer were apparent.