Figure 2

Knockout of GNMT enhances the development of atherosclerosis and abnormality of the lipid profile in apoE^−/− mice. ApoE^−/− mice (n = 14) and apoE^−/− GNMT^−/− mice (n = 14) were fed a chow diet for 20 wks before euthanization. A) Histology and quantification of atherosclerotic lesions in aortic roots were performed as described in Materials and Methods. Magnification: 40×. B) Analysis of serum levels of total cholesterol, non-HDL-c, HDL-c and triglycerides in apoE^−/− and apoE^−/− GNMT^−/− mice. C) The content of macrophages, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and T cells in atherosclerotic lesions. D and E) The content of lipid core and collagen in atherosclerotic lesions. * P < 0.05 versus apoE^−/− mice.