Arteriosclerotic arteries have been shown to fluoresce when treated with hematoporphyrin derivative. This study investigates the incorporation and distribution of a partially purified form of hematoporphyrin derivative (Photofrin II) in normal and arteriosclerotic rabbit aortas. A thoracoabdominal exploration was performed in 15 rabbits. Group I comprised normal rabbits, Group II normal rabbits given 5 mg/kg Photofrin II 48 hours before surgery, Group III arteriosclerotic rabbits and Group IV arteriosclerotic rabbits given 5 mg/kg Photofrin II 48 hours before surgery. Multiple aortic biopsy specimens for frozen section were taken from all rabbits. In addition, open laser endarterectomy (with an argon ion laser) was performed on Group III and Group IV rabbits. Frozen sections were studied by digital video fluorescence microscopy to determine the distribution of Photofrin II within the layers of the aortic wall. The fluorescence of the intima of Group IV rabbits was found to be significantly greater than that of the intima, internal elastic lamina, media or adventitia of the other groups (p less than 0.01) and significantly greater than that of the internal elastic lamina, media or adventitia of Group IV rabbits (p less than 0.01). When open laser endarterectomy was performed, Group III rabbits required 103 +/- 14 J/cm2 and Group IV required 33 +/- 3 J/cm2 (p less than 0.01). It is concluded that porphyrins are selectively localized within the intima of arteriosclerotic arteries. This localization sensitizes atheromas to argon ion laser light and facilitates laser endarterectomy.