Histologic Appearances of SMC Clusters and Realms

Abstract

Under special circumstances, the clustering of intimai SMC’s into layers can be demonstrated by connective tissue stains that reveal the lamellae of condensed reticulin between layers. Such stains disclose progressive dissolution of the layers with aging. The dissolution may be important for the construction of lipid traps at sites where solitary SMC’s build excessively bulky collagenous realms for themselves.