Figure 2.

MT1‐MMP (membrane‐type 1 matrix metalloproteinase) heterozygosity promotes plaque formation and outward vascular remodeling. A, Representative histology sections of left common carotid arteries. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and sirius red staining. Scale=100 μm. B, Sirius red–positive area (%). C, Immunostaining of smooth muscle actin (SMA) in vascular walls and atherosclerotic plaques (orange). Nuclei were counterstained (blue). Lower panels are of higher magnification. Scale=100 μm. D, SMA‐positive area (percentage). Mag indicates magnification. *P<0.05, **P<0.005