Figure 3. Characterization of the atherosclerotic process.
Aorta sections were stained with Masson's trichrome for further assessments of the changes. A. Panels represent histological images from study groups. B. Inflammatory infiltration and medial fibrosis were graded semiquantitatively as detailed in Material and Methods. Necrotic area was quantified as a percentage of the total surface area occupied by the lesion. In cholesterol diet (CD) sections, induced inflammation (*), fibrotic changes in media and evidence of necrotic areas are observed (N). Periodontal disease further and significantly increased these changes. Foam cells became evident (Insert, F). Fibrous cap (arrow) was observed around the necrotic core. (*p<0.05 compared to all other groups, #p<0.05 compared to RvE1 0.4 mg/site; ANOVA) CD: cholesterol diet; Pg: P.gingivalis; SM: smooth muscle; N: necrotic core; F: foam cells.