Fig 5. Representative images obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption /ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) of the abdominal aorta between the infra-renal ligation and the aortic bifurcation in group IV rats.

Distributions of phosphatidylcholine (PC;16:0/18:1), Heme B, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the aortic tissue were visualized. PC (16:0/18:1) was observed ubiquitously immediately after (0) the operation and at 6 h and 24 h following the operation. On the other hand, both Heme B and ATP in the outer media and the adventitia decreased at 6 h and 24 h after the operation. Ad, adventitia; Me, media; In, intima. Scale bar = 100 μm.