Evaluation of endoglin and P-selectin expression and co-expression in aortas of apoE-deficient mice

Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in HradecKrlov Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Evaluation of endoglin and P-selectin expression and co-expression in aortas of apoE-deficient mice Diploma thesis MonikaBrlicov Supervisor: Mgr.JanaRathousk Background: We observed the expression and the reciprocal co-expression of endoglin (receptor III for TGF- cytokine) and P-selectin (adhesion molecule and marker of endothelial dysfunction) in ascending aortas of apoE-deficient mice which were fed by standard diet for rodents and Western type diet (high-cholesterol diet) for achieving of different phases of the atherosclerotic process. The changes of total cholesterol levels in mice after administration of both types of diets were also evaluated. Methods: The modified strain C57BL/6J of mice with a deficiency of apolipoprotein E, which is prone to aterogenesis was used for this diploma thesis. Mice were divided into three groups. The first group was fed by standard diet (so-called "chow" diet) for a period of two months and the second two groups were fed by Western type diet for a period of two and four months. The levels of total cholesterol in the blood were biochemically determinated and then we statistically evaluated this levels in all groups. Immunohistochemical..