Genetically Manipulated Models of Atherosclerosis in Mice

Mice are largely resistant to atherosclerosis. However, with dietary intervention or genetic manipulation, mice can be induced to develop atherosclerosis The focus of this chapter is genetically manipulated models (see Chapter 1 for discussion regarding diet-induced atherosclerosis). For a complex genetic disease like atherosclerosis, mouse models provide a suitable means for studying large numbers of animals and a means for manipulating genes thought to be important in lesion development. With the powerful genetic tool that gene-targeted mice provide, we are able to search for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, to assess the influence of risk factors, such as elevated plasma glucose or plasma fibrinogen levels, on disease progression. In addition, we can also test the effects of environment, hormones, and drugs on disease progression.