Mouse models of atherosclerosis

Over the past decade the use of animal models has dramatically enhanced the understanding of mechanisms of human disease. In the case of atherosclerosis, we examine the suitability and benefits of the current murine models C57BL16, apoE−/− and LDLr−/− for studying this disease. We will also review the limits of using mice to study mechanisms of plaque rupture.

Section editors:Rahul Kakkar and Richard T. Lee – Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA