Acid esterase activity in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: effect of partial aortic ligation in rabbits.

Partial ligation of the aortas of rabbits below the ostia of the renal arteries resulted in a proliferative intimal reaction. Myocytes in the media of the ligated area showed little or no acid esterase activity. This reduction in acid esterase activity is believed to play an important role in atherogenesis.