Mouse models of experimental atherosclerosis.

Since 1992 the mouse has become an excellent model for experimental atherosclerosis research. Until 1992, the diet -- induced atherosclerosis mouse model has been used effectively, but the lesions tended to be small and were limited to early fatty-streak stage. This model was also criticized because of the toxicity and inflammatory responses due to the diet. In 1992 the first line of gene targeted animal models, namely apolipoprotein E -- knockout mice was developed. Of the genetically engineered models, the apoE -- deficient model is the only one that develops extensive atherosclerotic lesions on a chow diet. It is also the model in which the lesions have been characterized most thoroughly. The lesions develop into fibrous plaques; however, there is no evidence that plaque rupture occurs in this model. The LDL receptor - deficient model has elevated LDL levels, but no lesions, or only very small lesions, form on the chow diet, however, robust lesions do form on the western-type diet. The creation of apoE -- knockout mice has changed the face of atherosclerosis research.