The intensity of cellfunctions activated in atherosclerosis is similar
in undiseased intima and atherosclerotic plaques. However,
theremight be a principle difference in the state of “cellular system”
in undiseased intima and atherosclerotic plaques. Although functionally
the cellular system in a fibrous plaque is similar to that
of undiseased intima, structurally it is changed to the extent indicating
an irreversible transformation. Therefore, we consider that
transformation of fibrous plaque to undiseased intima in principle
is impossible