[Morphofunctional changes in the endothelial layer of the aorta and carotid artery in rabbits with hypercholesterolemia].

In alimentary hypercholesterolemia in rabbits at the stage preceding the appearance of lipid bands the number of endothelial defects and incorporation of 125I-labeled lipoproteins of low density were significantly increased in the aorta and carotid artery. At the stages of lipid bands and lipid plaques the frequency of endothelial defects and lipoprotein incorporation became normal. The results confirm an important role of the condition of the endothelial tegmentum in the supply of low density lipoproteins into the vessel wall.