Detection of macrophages engulfing cholesterol crystals and docosahexaenoic acid from spontaneous ruptured aortic plaque

We visualized macrophages engulfing cholesterol crystals from spontaneously ruptured aortic plaques sampled by angioscopy. Docosahexaenoic acid cholesterol ester (DHA-CE) was demonstrated by imaging mass spectrometry. DHA-CE is reported to be produced by macrophages against inflammation. Activities of macrophages against atherosclerosis inside plaques was shown from spontaneously ruptured aortic plaques in situ. Learning objectives Activities of macrophages such as engulfing cholesterol crystals and producing docosahexaenoic acid cholesterol ester were shown from spontaneously ruptured aortic plaques in situ.