Pathology of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed, susceptible mice

In recent years the C57BL/6J mouse has gained popularity as a model for studying the genetics of diet-induced atherosclerosis. After 10-20 weeks of consuming a diet enriched with saturated fat and cholesterol, it develops fatty streak-like lesions in the valve sinus region of the ascending aorta. The current study shows that continuing the atherogenic diet for a further 15 weeks leads to the development of fibro-fatty lesions which have many of the characteristics of human atheromatous plaques. This finding lends credence to the use of C57BL/6J mice for studying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.