Cell type and cell state specific antibodies in the analysis of early lesions of human atherosclerosis.

Studying the cell composition of lesions of human atherosclerosis can yield important information regarding the cellular interactions involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. We have used a panel of monoclonal antibodies, many developed in this laboratory, to study the cell composition of human fatty streaks. Results indicate that the predominant cell type in these lesions is the smooth muscle cell rather than the macrophage. Furthermore, using single and double labeling techniques, it was demonstrated that: (a) no expression of class II HLA antigens by smooth muscle cells could be documented; (b) the beta-chain of the platelet derived growth factor could be demonstrated within some macrophages in a small subset of lesions; and (c) only a very small fraction of the cell population express markers associated with cell proliferation, and those that do are largely macrophages and lymphocytes.