Lipid-Binding Capacity of Intimal Globulins in Human Aortic Atherosclerosis

Abstract

One hundred forty-seven aortas obtained from medicolegal autopsies were studied. According to the extent of involvement of the intimal surface and the types of lesions, aortic atherosclerosis was classified as mild, moderate, and severe. The globulin content of the intima and its lipid-binding, and cholesterol-binding capacity were determined in each specimen. No relation could be established between the globulin content of aortic intima and the degree of atherosclerosis. A direct correlation was observed, however, between the lipid-binding capacity and the cholesterol-binding capacity of the globulins and the severity of atherosclerosis, suggesting the possibility of a qualitative change in the globulins of the ground substance in atherosclerosis.