Aernoud Fiolet

63 Viewing Atherosclerosis through a Crystal Lens Figure 6. Aspirates from culprit coronary arteries during acute myocardial infarction. (A,B,C) SEM demonstrates extensive amounts of large cholesterol crystals obtained from the aspirates of culprit coronary arteries during acute myocardial infarction. Aspirates were washed of blood, remaining thrombus dissolved using tissue plasminogen activator and allowed to air dry. (C,D,E) Macrophages are seen attached to crystals that appear eroded. Macrophage extensions are attached to cholesterol crystals. Modified with permission. 61 (F) Schematic of macrophage in contact with cholesterol crystal, engulfing and dissolving the crystal and initiating production of IL-1 β , IL-6, and CRP. (G) Macrophage from human coronary aspirate during acute myocardial infarction was stained with Bodipy C-12 (invitrogen) for fluorescence demonstrate internalized cholesterol crystalline materials. Modified with permission. 61 IL-1 β , interleukin 1 β ; IL6, interleukin 6; CRP, C-reactive protein.