Prevention of aortic elastic lamina defects by losartan in apolipoprotein e-deficient mouse

Abstract

In a previous study, we identified prevalent internal elastic lamina (IEL) defects in the aorta of hyperlipidaemic apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice that are thought to provide a structural basis for the development of atherosclerosis and intimal thickening. In the present study, we examined the effects of losartan, an angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist, on the development of IEL defects. Male 18-week-old ApoE-deficient mice (maintained on a normal diet) were treated with losartan (3 or 30 mg/kg per day) for 10 weeks via the drinking water. The IEL defects were quantified histologically by measuring the continuity of the IEL within the inner curvature of the aortic arch. In untreated a..