[Lipid metabolism in cells of human atherosclerotic aorta. Study in the primary culture].

Incorporation of 3H-acetate into the main classes of lipids in human aorta cells was studied. It was demonstrated that fractions of intimal and medial cell lipids in primary cultures of unaffected vascular areas were different as to the accumulation of the labeled precursor. Intimal cells isolated from lipid streaks and atherosclerotic plaques accumulated the labeled acetate in lipids 2.5-fold more effectively. The greatest changes in the level of 3H-acetate incorporation were registered in phospholipid fractions and cholesterol esters. Medial cells from the media underlying atherosclerotic lesions were shown to have an enhanced ability to include the label into neutral lipids. It is assumed that the changes in intracellular lipid metabolism may account for the increased lipid content in human atherosclerotic aorta.