ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the roles of apoptosis and express io n of PCNA in human vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.MethodsAp optosis was detected by TUNEL.Expessions of PCNA were detected in samples of vul nerable plagues From 23 cases of coronary heart disease.by SP immunohistochemica l technique.ResultsThe expession level of PCNA in the smooth m uscle cells (SMCs) on fibrous cap region was significantly elevated than that of the other three regions.The expession level of PCNA in the inflammatory cells ( ICs) on fibrous cap and shoulder region were significantly elevated than that of the other two regions.The amount of apoptosis in the SMCs on lipid-rich core wa s much more than that of the other three regions.The amount of apoptosis in the ICs on lipid-rich core was more than the other three regions.The expression leve ls of PCNA in fibrous cap and shoulder were significantly higher than TUNEL posi tive cell (P