THE RAT, A USEFUL ANIMAL-MODEL FOR PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON APOLIPOPROTEIN-E

Apolipoprotein E is a major protein component of lipoproteins and play s an important role in cholesterol transport. The structure of the gen e and the polymorphism of apolipoprotein E have been studied in human and rat, which show similar structures of apolipoprotein E. The wide t issue distribution of this apolipoprotein suggests diverse functions l ike cholesterol distribution between cells, intracellular cholesterol trafficking and tissue reparation. Nevertheless, the presence of apoli poprotein E in atherosclerotic plaques and amyloid deposits in brains of Alzheimer's disease patients also indicate pathologic functions sta ying misunderstood. The aim of this paper is to review the present kno wledge on the distribution of apolipoprotein E between the different o rgans with the related functions and to make an overview of the implic ations of this apolipoprotein in physiological events and pathological states in the rat. The rat is widely used for drug metabolism studies . Its serum levels are 5-10 times higher than in human and thus this a nimal provides an useful pharmacological model to elucidate the functi ons of apo E.