Radionuclide imaging of the synthetic smooth muscle cell phenotype in experimental atherosclerotic lesions

Although the exact mechanisms of atherogenesis have not yet been elaborated, it is believed to be an inflammatory immunological response of the injured intima. The molecules and cells involved in this inflammatory response may provide specific targets for the development of novel diagnostic modalities. The present review deals with use of antibodies specific for the neoantigens of the vascular smooth muscle cells of the transformed synthetic phenotype for the detection of atherosclerotic lesions, as well as the potential use of the upregulation of the purinoceptors as indicators of the phenotypic transformation of these cells. In addition to the recognition of atherosclerotic lesions, such a strategy may also help identify accelerated proliferating smooth muscle cells associated with postangioplastic restenosis.