[The role of lipoproteins and macrophages in the development of atherosclerosis].

Much of the cholesteryl ester that accumulates within atherosclerotic plaques is found within foam cells of monocyte origin. The cholesterol component of these esters is derived from the cellular uptake of plasma lipoproteins that have penetrated into the extravascular space. Monocyte-macrophages take up and degrade native low density lipoprotein (LDL) by the classical LDL (apo B/E receptor) only at rather slow rates. On the other hand, modified LDL is taken up much more rapidly by the scavenger receptor. Modification of LDL possibly involves lipid peroxidation, and antioxidants may play a protective role.