Abstract
The initial endothelial morphological alterations and the development of raised, lipid-containing lesions in rabbit aortas were examined after 1 and 3 months on a casein-enriched, semipurified, cholesterol-free diet. The alterations were compared with those in rabbits fed soy-protein in the place of casein and with age-matched, chow-fed, control animals. Using immunohistochemistry macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and smooth muscle cells were identified in the lesions, and an expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and, occasionally, E-selectin was seen in sections of the aortas of casein-fed rabbits. The initial alterations in the endothelium appear to include evidence of endothelial injury and white blood cell adhesion. No evidence of extracellular liposome formation was observed. This model of atherogenesis is consistent with endothelial injury being an important component of diet-induced atherogenesis and has similarities to human atherosclerosis.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Aorta / chemistry
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Aorta / pathology*
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Aorta / ultrastructure
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Arteriosclerosis / blood
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Arteriosclerosis / metabolism
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Arteriosclerosis / pathology*
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Caseins / administration & dosage*
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / analysis
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Cholesterol / blood
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Diet, Fat-Restricted*
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Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage*
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E-Selectin
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Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
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Endothelium, Vascular / ultrastructure
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Foam Cells / pathology
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Immunohistochemistry
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Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / analysis
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Leukocytes / pathology
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Lipoproteins, LDL / blood
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Macrophages / pathology
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Male
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Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / pathology
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Plant Proteins, Dietary / administration & dosage
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Rabbits
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Soybean Proteins
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Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
Substances
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Caseins
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Cell Adhesion Molecules
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Dietary Proteins
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E-Selectin
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Lipoproteins, LDL
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Plant Proteins, Dietary
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Soybean Proteins
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Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
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Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
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Cholesterol