[The functional role of arterial intima. Endogenous and exogenous pathogens and specificity of atheromatosis as an inflammation].

We believe that the intima is a biological filter accountable for arresting the endogenous and exogenous pathogens, which activate the biological function of inflammation, and for preventing the access of pathogens into the internal-space intercellular pool. The below described biological reactions occur in the arterial intima: trans-cytosis of pathogens by endothelial cells onto the intima surface; sorption of pathogens into the filter proteoglycan matrix; destruction of the matrix by macrophage metalloproteinases; desorption of pathogens with matrix elements by resident macrophages through squewenjer-receptor endocytosis; proteolysis of pathogens in lysosomes; retroendocytosis of non-hydrolyzed components of pathogens into the intercellular medium; and a recovery of the integrity of proteoglycan matrix by the smooth-muscle cells. Sorption and desorption of pathogens (i.e. modified low-density lipoproteins who carry the essential polyene fat acids to cells) by resident macrophages (from the filter) under the conditions of the blockade of apoB-100-receptoral endocytosis predetermine the specificity of atheromatosis as an inflammation.