Ultramorphological analysis of plaque advancement and cholesterol crystal formation in Ldlr knockout mouse atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT: BACKGOUND AND AIMS:The low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mouse has been utilized by cardiovascular researchers for more than two decades to study atherosclerosis. However, there has not yet been a systematic effort to document the ultrastructural changes that accompany the progression of atherosclerotic plaque in this model. METHODS:Employing several different staining and microscopic techniques, including immunohistochemistry, as well as electron and polarized microscopy, we analyzed atherosclerotic lesion development in Ldlr-/- mice fed an atherogenic diet over time. RESULTS:Lipid-like deposits occurred in the subendothelial space after only one week of atherogenic diet. At two weeks, cholesterol crystals (CC) formed and increased thereafter. Lipid, CC, vascular smooth

SUBMITTER: Baumer Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6707853 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature