出典:Wikipedia
出典:『Wikipedia』 (2011/07/28 18:53 UTC 版)
Foam cells are cells in an atheroma derived from both macrophages and smooth muscle. In chronic hyperlipidemia, lipoproteins aggregate within the intima of blood vessels and become oxidized by the action of oxygen free radicals generated either by macrophages or endothelial cells. The macrophages engulf oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) by endocytosis via scavenger receptors, which are distinct from LDL receptors. The oxidized LDL accumulates in the phagocytes and are then they are known as foam cells . Foam cells form the fatty streaks of the plaques of atheroma in the tunica intima of arteries.