Low density lipoproteins (LDL) that have been oxidatively modified have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Monoclonal antibodies were generated against oxidatively modified human low density lipoproteins (OxLDL); these antibodies reacted with OxLDL, but did not react with native LDL, either in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a Western blot analysis. The anti-OxLDL antibodies did react with other modified forms of LDL (eg, acetylated LDL, malondialdehyde-modified LDL, and cell-modified LDL) that were recognized by the scavenger receptor on macrophages. Single- and double-label immunofluorescence of atheromatous lesions from a Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit demonstrated some colocalization of proteins detected by anti-LDL and anti-OxLDL antibodies. However, clearly there were also areas stained by the anti-OxLDL antibodies that did not stain with anti-LDL. Staining of the lesion by the anti-OxLDL antibody was abolished by adsorption of the antibody with OxLDL, but not by adsorption with LDL or bovine serum albumin. Arterial tissue from a control New Zealand White rabbit did not show staining with anti-LDL or anti-OxLDL antibodies. These observations suggest that OxLDL (or possibly other proteins recognized by the anti-OxLDL antibody) is present in atheromatous lesions of WHHL rabbits, and are consistent with oxidatively modified lipoproteins having a role in atherogenesis.