Abstract
We investigated glucose tolerance and left ventricular contractile performance in 4 frequently used mouse strains (Swiss, C57BL/6J, DBA2, and BalbC) at 24 weeks. Glucose tolerance was tested by measuring blood glucose levels in time after intraperitoneal glucose injection (2 mg/g body weight). Left ventricular contractility was assessed by pressure-conductance analysis. Peak glucose levels and glucose area under the curve were higher (all P < .05) in C57BL/6J (418 ± 65 mg/dL and 813 ± 100 mg·h/dL) versus Swiss (237 ± 66 mg/dL and 470 ± 126 mg·h/dL), DBA2 (113 ± 20 mg/dL and 304 ± 49 mg·h/dL, P < .01), and BalbC mice (174 ± 55 mg/dL and 416 ± 70 mg·h/dL). Cardiac output was higher (all P < .05) in Swiss (14038 ± 4530 μL/min) versus C57BL/6J (10405 ± 2683 μL/min), DBA2 (10438 ± 3251 μL/min), and BalbC mice (8466 ± 3013 μL/min). Load-independent left ventricular contractility assessed as recruitable stroke work (PRSW) was comparable in all strains. In conclusion, glucose tolerance and load-dependent left ventricular performance parameters were different between 4 mice background strains, but PRSW was comparable.
Highlights
Multiple transgenic mouse models have been and are being developed in cardiovascular research to study hypertension [1], diabetes [2], atherosclerosis [3], hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [4], heart failure [5], and many other diseases
As glucose handling capacity could play an important role in the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 [9], hypertension [10], atherosclerosis [11], and heart failure [12], our findings could contribute to a better understanding of the decrease in left ventricular contractility that accompanies these pathological conditions
This study shows that left ventricular contractility and glucose handling capacity are significantly different in four mice background strains frequently used in cardiovascular research
Summary
Multiple transgenic mouse models have been and are being developed in cardiovascular research to study hypertension [1], diabetes [2], atherosclerosis [3], hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [4], heart failure [5], and many other diseases. These different experimental models are generated and studied in different mouse strains and genetic backgrounds. They appear highly susceptible to the development of atherosclerosis on a semisynthetic high-fat diet [16], their plasma cholesterol levels at 12 and 24 weeks are rather low [17]
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