Figure 7.

Anti-CD31 immunostaining of aortic sinuses from typical L^−/−/A^−/− mouse at various ages. (a) 24 weeks of age. CD31 immunostaining indicates that an intact endothelium (red arrowhead) separates the lumen from the fibrous cap. (b) 36 weeks of age. Anti-CD31 immunostains reveal that an intact endothelium (red arrowhead) separates the lumen from the lesion. (c) 48 weeks of age. Anti-CD31 immunostaining reveals multiple focal breakpoints within the endothelial layer (red arrowheads). (d) 60 weeks of age. Anti-CD31 immunostaining indicates the presence of focal rounded areas in the endothelium, with small breakpoints (red arrowheads). Weakening of the endothelium may be the result of underlying foam cells (blue arrowheads). Original magnification, 100X.