Beschreibung:
<jats:p>Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) pulsed for 5 h with mildly oxidized low density lipoproteins (LDL), exhibited a broad, sustained and high peak of [Ca<jats:sup>2+</jats:sup>]<jats:sub>i</jats:sub> occurring several hours after the end of the pulse and reaching very high [Ca<jats:sup>2+</jats:sup>]<jats:sub>i</jats:sub> values (around 2500–3000 nmol/l) and a concomitant drop of cytosolic pH (around 0.2–0.3 pH units) without any loss of cell viability. When BAEC were continuously pulsed with oxidized LDL, the peak of [Ca<jats:sup>2+</jats:sup>]<jats:sub>i</jats:sub> was more sustained than in short pulse experiments and was associated with irreversible morphological changes usually associated with cytotoxic events (blebbing) and with a marked loss of viability. The potential involvement of these biochemical and morphological changes in atherogenesis are discussed.</jats:p>