Leukocyte adhesion molecules in atherogenesis

Functions of mononuclear leukocytes and endothelial cell leukocyte adhesion molecules in the formation of early atherosclerotic lesions is discussed. The main transgenic mouse models developed to study cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerotic lesion formation, including apolipoprotein E knockout a nd low density Lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR-/-) mice, are reviewed. Differences in their dependence on dietary cholesterol supplementation is e mphasized and a new semi-purified, cholate-free mouse diet for LDLR-/- mice is described. This diet is highly reproducible, versatile (pellet, powder or liquid formulations), inexpensive and promotes hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic lesion development despite absence of sodium cholate. We de scribe the expression patterns of leukocyte adhesion molecules in rabbit an d mouse models of atherosclerosis and compare them to humans. Finally, ongo ing studies are summarized which utilize transgenic mice to assess the role s of individual adhesion molecules in atherosclerotic lesion formation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.