Functional Imaging Targets in Atherosclerosis
| Target | Examples |
|---|---|
| Endothelial activation | Adhesion molecules, class II histocompatibility molecules |
| Accumulation and activation of cells | White blood cells (especially monocytes), smooth muscle cells |
| Visualization of inflammatory mediators | Fractalkine, chemokine receptors |
| Metabolic activity of cells within atherosclerotic plaque | Glucose transport |
| Apoptosis within atherosclerotic plaque | Phosphatidyl serine |
| Plaque procoagulant activity | Tissue factor, factor XIII |
| Proteolytic enzymes | Cathepsin K, matrix-metalloproteinases: gelatinases and collagenases |
| Reactive oxygen species | Superoxide anion (O2−), hypochlorous acid |
| Angiogenesis markers | Integrin αVβ3 |