Improved quantitative characterization of atherosclerotic plaque composition with immunohistochemistry, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and computer-assisted image analysis.

To quantitatively characterize contributions of major constituents to the composition of a given atherosclerotic plaque, we have developed an approach employing immunohistochemistry, confocal scanning laser microscopy, and computer-assisted image analysis. The method developed permits identification of plaques that are particularly vulnerable to rupture and elucidation of the nature of the composition of a given plaque, as well as the extent of luminal encroachment. Thus, it should be useful in experimental animals and ultimately in patients in delineating compositional changes in response to potentially deleterious genetic and environmentally induced factors and to potentially therapeutic interventions designed to diminish plaque vulnerability.