Figure 2

Aortic plaque histology from an ApoE^-/-mouse after cola beverage treatment. The image corresponds to one of six serial sections obtained where the aortic sinus becomes the ascending aorta. The aortic plaque extends from the lumen to the internal elastic membrane. Along with this, luminal caliber is reduced with thickening or thinning and even disruption (solid arrow) of the fibrous cap. Extensive atrophy of the aortic media is observed, being replaced with plaque components, consisting of huge acellular necrotic xanthomas shaped into fibro-fatty nodules of cholesterol crystals and dense or loose connective tissue. Internal and external elastic membranes are disrupted and discontinued at the site of plaque expansion. The arrow identifies the ostia to a coronary artery which is largely obstructed by the plaque (empty arrow). Aortic leaflets are thickened and their free borders show linear calcifications and loose fibrotic excrescences (1–3). Hematoxylin and eosin x 200.