Figure 6.

Trichrome stains of aortic sinuses from typical L^−/−/A^−/− mouse at various ages. (a) 12 weeks of age. Trichrome staining indicated that the fatty deposits present in the small intimal compartment adjacent or attached to the base of the aortic valve are devoid of collagen. Original magnification, 200X. (b) 18 weeks of age. Trichrome staining shows diffuse collagen deposits (red arrowheads) between the intimal and medial compartments. Original magnification, 200X. (c) 24 weeks of age. Trichrome stains demonstrate that most of the collagen is now associated within the subcapsular region (red arrowhead) and large aggregates of collagen deposits are evident within the core (blue arrowhead) and in the arterial wall (black arrowhead). Original magnification, 100X. (d) 36 weeks of age. Trichrome stains demonstrate that most of the collagen is now associated with the subcapsular region (red arrowhead) and large aggregates of collagen deposits are evident within the core (blue arrowhead) and in the arterial wall (black arrowhead). Original magnification, 100X. (e) 48 weeks of age. Trichrome staining indicates sloughing of the lightly diffuse collagen cellular cap (red arrowhead). Patchy diffuse collagen aggregates are evident within the core (blue arrowhead). A few red-staining foci are noted in the core (black arrowhead). An increased abundance of cholesterol clefts is observed in the core (yellow arrowheads). Original magnification, 100X. (f) 60 weeks of age. Trichrome staining reveals diffusely interwoven collagen deposits in the subcapsular region (red arrowhead), with diffuse deposition in the core (blue staining). Original magnification, 100X.