Macromolecular transport through arterial wall: elastic barrier permeabilities

Injury of the arterial wall induces the synthesis of gene products that stimulate smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, leading to intimal hyperplasia. This process contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. To evaluate barriers to transport in the arterial wall of macromolecular transport into the arterial wall, we have developed mathematical models. These are based on experimental studies using HRP as a surrogate macromolecule for potential agents. Based on these data, we find that the media can be represented as a series of compartments bounded by elastic lamina. We further propose to model the thickened intima of an atherosclerotic artery as a distributed system juxtaposed to the compartmentalized media.