THE FINE STRUCTURE OF CEROID IN HUMAN ATHEROMA

Abstract

Ceroid in human atherosclerotic aorta was identified with histochemical tests (acid-fast, oil red O and periodic acid-Schiff techniques) applied to Epon-Araldite- and methacrylate-embedded tissues from which immediately adjacent ultrathin sections were studied with the electron microscope. The fine structure of ceroid in the human atherosclerotic aorta appears to be heterogeneous, showing uniquely wavy, irregularly arranged lamellae lying within granular material of varying electron density. The lamellar structure shows regular and alternating parallel electron-dense and electron-lucent zones which we believe to be characteristic of ceroid.