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Figure 2 Role of Vessel Wall Neovascularization in Plaque Growth

Possible roles for microvessels in disease progression include the supply of cellular and soluble lesion components, enhancement of intraplaque gas exchange, and delivery of metabolic substrates to the plaque core. ICAM = intercellular adhesion molecule; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; VCAM = vascular cell adhesion molecule. Copyrighted and used with permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.