Transgenic rabbit models for the study of atherosclerosis.

Abstract

The rabbit rapidly develops severe hypercholesterolemia leading to premature atherosclerosis in response to dietary manipulation. Transgenic rabbit models with altered expression of specific genes will provide new approaches to understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this disease. Recently established lines of transgenic rabbits that overexpress hepatic lipase and apolipoprotein E are yielding fresh insights into the functions of these proteins and their role in lesion development