The changes in cell adhesion molecule expression in various pathological states in animal models

The changes in cell adhesion molecule expression in various pathological states in animal models. Mgr.Helena Koldová This rigorous work was focused on the study of atorvastatin effects in apoE/LDL- receptor deficient mice. The aim was to elucidate whether atrovastatin posses similar effects that are common in humans. Female ApoE/LDL receptor-double-knockout mice at 8 weeks of age were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group of animals (n=8) was fed with the atherogenic (western type) diet for another 8 weeks. The same atherogenic diet and treatment period was used in other two groups where atorvastatin was added to the diet at the dosage of 10 mg/kg per day. Biochemical analysis of blood cholesterol fractions, ELISA analysis of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in blood, and stereological analysis of atherosclerotic plaque size in aortic sinus was performed. The biochemical analysis showed that administration of 10 mg/kg of atorvastatin resulted in a mild decrease of blood cholesterol fractions. Moreover atorvastatin significantly increased the HDL levels. This mild positive influence on lipid parameters was accompanied by moderate anti-inflammatory effect which was manifested by a reduced level of MCP-1 in blood. In conclusion apoE/LDL-receptor deficient..