The alternative pathway is critical for pathogenic complement activation in endotoxin- and diet-induced atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The early components of the classical and lectin complement pathways have been shown to protect low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice (Ldlr(-/-)) from early atherogenesis. However, the role of the alternative pathway remained unknown, and that was investigated in this study.

Methods and results

Mice lacking factor B (Bf(-/-)), the initiator of the alternative pathway, were crossed with Ldlr(-/-) mice and studied under different proatherogenic conditions. There was no statistically significant difference in lipid profiles or atherosclerotic lesion development between Bf(-/-)/Ldlr(-/-) and Ldlr(-/-) mice fed a low-fat diet. However, in these groups, administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide led to a significant increase in atherosclerosis only in Ldlr

SUBMITTER: Malik TH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2978131 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature