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Updated: Apr 10, 2026
Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
Published on: December 7, 2013
Models and Analysis of Atherosclerosis, Restenosis, and Aneurysm Formation in the Mouse
Vivian de Waard1, Marion J J Gijbels1,2, Esther Lutgens1,3
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Choosing the right mouse model is crucial for studying vascular diseases like atherosclerosis, restenosis, and aortic aneurysms. This guide offers insights into selecting and implementing appropriate animal models for detailed genetic research into these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Animal Models
- Vascular Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease characterized by high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
- Restenosis, following interventions for atherosclerosis, involves excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation.
- Aortic aneurysms result from atherosclerosis-induced degradation and dilatation of the vessel wall.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide detailed insights into selecting appropriate mouse models for specific vascular research questions.
- To offer technical details for executing experiments with animal models of vascular diseases.
- To facilitate in-depth genetic studies of atherosclerosis, restenosis, and aortic aneurysms.
Main Methods:
- Review and selection of various transgenic mouse models relevant to vascular pathologies.
- Detailed description of experimental setup considerations for animal studies.
- Guidance on technical execution of experiments using mouse models.
Main Results:
- Identified key considerations for choosing specific mouse models based on research objectives.
- Provided practical technical guidelines for conducting vascular research in mice.
- Highlighted the utility of mouse models for dissecting gene involvement in vascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate selection and utilization of mouse models are essential for advancing our understanding of vascular diseases.
- This work serves as a guide for researchers investigating the genetic basis of atherosclerosis, restenosis, and aortic aneurysms.
- Standardized experimental approaches enhance the reliability of findings in vascular biology research.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammatory condition of the vessel wall and involves a high chronic concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in blood. In humans, restenosis develops after intravascular interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement to treat atherosclerosis, and this process is characterized by excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation that re-occludes the vessel lumen. Aortic aneurysm formation is caused by severe degradation and thus dilatation of the vessel wall, in part due to atherosclerosis. Each of these vascular pathologies has its specific characteristics at onset and during development of the disease, and to study the involvement of specific genes in detail, various (transgenic) mice have been generated. Here, we aim to provide detailed insight in considerations to choose and set up the appropriate mouse model for specific vascular research questions. Additionally, we provide technical details to execute experiments with these animal models. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:317-345 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
