Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP content in a short-term organ culture of normal and atherosclerotic human aorta.

Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP content was measured in intima and media of unaffected and atherosclerotic areas of human aorta in a short-term organ culture. It was demonstrated that during short-term cultivation the content of both cyclic nucleotides in tissues is constant. The cyclic AMP content in fatty streaks and atherosclerotic plaques is significantly (2 to 7-fold) lower than in unaffected intima. The cyclic GMP level in atherosclerotic lesions is 1.5 to 3-fold higher than in normal. The content of both cyclic nucleotides in the media underlying fatty streaks is the same as in the normal tissue. In the media underlying atherosclerotic plaques, the cyclic AMP level is decreased compared to the normal. The obtained data indicates serious disorders in the system of cyclic nucleotides during atherosclerosis. Possible consequences of this disfunction are discussed.