IMAGING VULNERABLE PLAQUE IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC MICE

这个子项目是许多利用资源的研究子项目之一 由NIH/NCRR资助的中心拨款提供。子项目的主要支持 而子项目的主要调查员可能是由其他来源提供的， 包括其它NIH来源。 列出的子项目总成本可能 代表子项目使用的中心基础设施的估计数量， 而不是由NCRR赠款提供给子项目或子项目工作人员的直接资金。 动脉粥样硬化是一种进行性疾病，其特征在于脂质、单核细胞、纤维成分和各种其他炎性细胞在动脉壁中的积聚。 这些沉积物形成称为动脉粥样硬化斑块的血管病变，其包含坏死核心，并通过由胶原蛋白和平滑肌细胞组成的纤维帽与动脉内膜分离。 当这些斑块变得容易破裂时，它们将坏死核心的炎性成分释放到动脉中，引起血栓形成和动脉血流阻塞。 本研究分析了ApoE缺陷型LDLR KO小鼠动脉粥样硬化的进展。 具体而言，我们希望观察来自动脉壁弹性蛋白纤维的双光子激发荧光（TPEF）信号和来自易损斑块区域纤维帽中胶原蛋白的二次谐波产生（SHG）信号。 我们还希望看到血管壁内的各种细胞结构（如巨噬细胞，平滑肌细胞）和炎症成分（如脂质），并可能识别不同程度的血管钙化。

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. Primary support for the subproject and the subproject's principal investigator may have been provided by other sources, including other NIH sources. The Total Cost listed for the subproject likely represents the estimated amount of Center infrastructure utilized by the subproject, not direct funding provided by the NCRR grant to the subproject or subproject staff. Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that is characterized by the accumulation of lipids, monocytes, fibrous constituents, and various other inflammatory cells in the arterial wall. These deposits form vascular lesions known as atheromatous plaques, which contain necrotic cores and are separated from the arterial intima by a fibrous cap made up of collagen and smooth muscle cells. When these plaques become vulnerable to rupture, they release the inflammatory elements of the necrotic core into the artery, causing thrombosis and obstruction of arterial blood flow. This study analyzes the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient, LDLR KO mice. Specifically, we hope to observe two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) signals from elastin fibers of the arterial wall and second-harmonic generation (SHG) signals from collagen in the fibrous caps of the vulnerable plaque regions. We also hope to see various cellular structures (e.g. macrophages, smooth muscle cells) and inflammatory elements (e.g. lipids) within the vascular wall, and perhaps identify varying degrees of vascular calcification.