Intimal histolysis as an early stage of atherosclerotic involvement. Observations on the human coronary arteries.

Investigation of the coronary arteries in 330 subjects aged 11 to 50 years showed that the "missing link" between age-dependent changes and atherosclerotic lesions appeared as a process of intimal histolysis. This term refers to focal disintegrations of the intimal connective tissue involving successively ground substance, reticular networks, collagen fibers, elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells. The resulting gelatinous plaques and detritus cavities represent the starting point for the development of fibrous plaques with or without necrotic centers (atheroma).