Endothelial damage and thrombocyte adhesion in pigeon atherosclerosis.

Scanning electron microscopy studies of spontaneously occurring atherosclerosis in pigeons reveal dramatic alterations in endothelial integrity. An irregular endothelium at the intimal cushion region of 5-week-old birds gives rise to extensive areas of pitted endothelium and subendothelial exposure. Thrombocytes, thrombocyte aggregates, and leukocytes are associated with the developing lesion.