Abstract
This review attempts to present a focused summary of selected areas of the rapidly
growing knowledge regarding the red blood cells role in atherosclerotic plaque progression
and instability. A summary of the characteristics of the erythrocyte membranes is
provided, followed by a brief review of the in vitro and in vivo work that has helped
clarify their role in atherosclerosis. Mechanisms by which erythrocytes enter the
atherosclerotic plaque and contribute to its progression and instability are presented.
Finally, some elements that may be clinically important regarding erythrocytes in
coronary artery disease are discussed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 11, 2009
Accepted:
October 15,
2009
Received:
May 24,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
