Atheroma distribution

The progesterone-secreting corpus luteum cells of the ovary also contain a mesophase similar in form, properties, and composition to that of the lowest density lipoprotein of plasma, and of the early atheroma deposits. Superficially, it might seem that women keep the mesophase in the cyclically forming corpora lutea while men let it circulate and thence deposit itself in arteries women begin to do this only when they reach the menopause and no longer form corpora lutea. This may simply be a localized expression of the fact that fat distribution is fundamentally different... 

We have also studied the distribution of coronary artery atheroma in a series of 300 patients to determine which factors were responsible and have shown that the usual risk factors, proximality of the lesion and presence of bifurcations are the most important causative factors (Halon et al., 1983). Since coronary artery disease is more common, we have studied regional ventricular function by frame-by-frame analysis of cineangiograms and are able to show the pattern of contraction on a 3-dimensional reference axis which takes into account the position on the ventricular circumference, time of the cardiac cycle and extent of contraction. This can be converted into a simple contour map which shows the 3-dimensional picture in a 2-dimensional plane (Sapoznikov et al., 1983). 

Prevalence and distribution of femoral atheromas in human hyperlipoproteinemia. Types II and IV. 

The endothelial injury hypothesis may help to explain the focal distribution of atheromas, which is not adequately accounted for by the lipid hypothesis. The endothelial injury hypothesis asserts that plaque formation begins when the endothelial cells that cover fatty streaks separate thus exposing the underlying lesion to the circulation. This may lead to smooth muscle proliferation, stimulated by circulating mitogens, or may cause platelet aggregation leading to mural thrombosis. 

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