Macrophages in the intima eventually become what type of cells?

Macrophages in the intima eventually become what type of cells?

• A. Foam cells
• B. Platelets
• C. Endothelial cells
• D. Smooth muscle cells

Answer: (A)

Macrophages that enter the intima take up large amounts of modified LDL, especially oxidized LDL, through scavenger receptors. This uptake is not downregulated by intracellular cholesterol, so the macrophages become laden with lipid droplets and develop a foamy cytoplasm—hence the name foam cells. These lipid-laden macrophages accumulate to form the fatty streak, the earliest lesion in atherosclerosis, and they contribute to plaque progression. Platelets are involved in clotting, endothelial cells line the lumen, and smooth muscle cells migrate from the media to the intima to build plaque structure, but they do not become foam cells themselves.

Macrophages that enter the intima take up large amounts of modified LDL, especially oxidized LDL, through scavenger receptors. This uptake is not downregulated by intracellular cholesterol, so the macrophages become laden with lipid droplets and develop a foamy cytoplasm—hence the name foam cells. These lipid-laden macrophages accumulate to form the fatty streak, the earliest lesion in atherosclerosis, and they contribute to plaque progression. Platelets are involved in clotting, endothelial cells line the lumen, and smooth muscle cells migrate from the media to the intima to build plaque structure, but they do not become foam cells themselves.