The studying of some markers of transforming growth factor pathway in mouse model of atherosclerosis.

Abstracts Lukáš Pagurko The studying of some markers of transforming growth factor pathway in mouse model of atherosclerosis. Diploma thesis Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Pharmacy Background: We observed the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in mice atherosclerotic plaque by using imunohistochemical methods. The aim was to prove nonlipid-lowering effects of atorvastatin to affect the expression of eNOS. Methods: Female apoE and LDLr deficient mice, aged 16 weeks were used in the study. Biochemical analysis of blood samples and imunohistochemical analysis of the tissue segments were performed. For identification of eNOS expression was used EnVision method with DAB visualization. Results: We found out in biochemical analysis that 8-weeks doses of atorvastatin significantly increases levels of overall cholesterol. Presence of atherosclerotic lesions was observed at all incisions in control group even in atorvastatin group, whereas aterom necrotic fibres was founded at a number of them. The administration of atorvastatin were lead to significant decrease of atherosclerotic lesions compared to untreated group. There were also rapid increase of eNOS expression especially on the surface of atherosclerotic lesions. Conclusion: The positive influence of..