Biochemical Observations of Human Atheromatosis

Atherosclerosis develops chiefly in the intima of the artery. Biochemical changes associated with atheromatosis were studied serially in human aortic intima by a gross division of the intima into normal tissue, early and advanced atheromata. Earliest alterations observed are increases in collagen concentration and in binding of hexosamine with scleroprotein. Elevation of lipids occurs only after development of the atherosclerotic lesion. There appear to be more biochemical alterations in female intima with atheromatosis and age than in male tissue. Calcium concentration does not increase with age in normal intimal tissue.