Stroke-prone SHR and arteriolipidosis-prone SHR as models for atherosclerosis: their mechanisms and application for nutritional and pharmacological studies.

Abstract

1. Peritoneal macrophages (Mphi) were harvested from non-stimulated 2 month old SHRSP and WKY, and incubated with acetyl LDL or [14C]-oleate-albumin complex to check total, free and esterified cholesterol (Cho) accumulation as well as acy coenzyme A-cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity and its activation by hyperlipidaemic serum. 2. Total and esterified Cho accumulation as well as ACAT activity were enhanced in Mphi from SHRSP compared with those from WKY. 3. To observe the dietary or pharmacological influence on atherogenesis, arteriolipidosis-prone SHR (ALR) were given a high fat cholesterol diet with 3% taurine or a Ca blocker (Nilvadipine, N; 30 mg/kg), both of which significantly decreased serum Cho level and clearly attenuated arterial fat deposition.