ABSTRACT
Increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) influx into the arterial wall, platelet activation and mononuclear cell infiltration are major mechanisms involved in human atherogenesis. Methods for measuring these variables and, hence, the effect of drugs are of importance in the identification of agents which may retard the development of atheroma. Imaging of specific vascular areas using a gamma camera makes it possible to monitor the behaviour of platelets, LDL or monocytes, the last of which can be labelled without impairing their viability. Platelet kinetics are altered in a variety of clinical conditions, whether affecting platelet uptake and destruction or with a primary haematological basis, and imaging together with kinetic data can identify abnormalities as local or systemic. The methods for radiolabelling platelets, LDL and monocytes accompanied by gamma-camera imaging should improve our understanding of human atheroma and allow elucidation of the mode of action and prediction of efficacy of atheroma-inhibiting drugs.
