Skip to main content

Advertisement

We’d like to understand how you use our websites in order to improve them. Register your interest.
Download PDF

Atherosclerosis, inflammation and lipoprotein glomerulopathy in kidneys of apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice

BMC Nephrology volume 11, Article number: 18 (2010) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

The apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice are bearing considerable structural homology to human atherosclerosis. We hypothesized, that advanced lesion formation in the renal artery is associated with kidney alterations in these mice.

Methods

Kidneys from apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice at the age of 80 weeks (n = 6) and C57/BL control mice (n = 5) were infused with Microfil, harvested and scanned with micro-CT (12 μm cubic voxels) and Nano-CT (900 nm cubic voxels). We quantitated the total vascular volume using micro-CT. Number and cross-sectional area (μm2) of glomeruli were measured using histology.

Results

At the age of 80 weeks, the renal total vascular volume fraction decreased significantly (p < 0.001) compared to controls. Moreover, the renal artery showed advanced atherosclerotic lesions with adventitial Vasa vasorum neovascularization. Perivascular inflammation was present in kidneys of apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice, predominantly involved are plasma cells and leucocytes. Glomeruli cross-sectional area (9959 ± 1083 μm2) and number (24.8 ± 4.5) increased in apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice compared to controls (3533 ± 398 μm2; 17.6 ± 3, respectively), whereas 41% of the total number of glomeruli showed evidence for lipoprotein associated glomerulopathy (LPG). Moreover, immunohistochemistry demonstrated capillary aneurysms of the glomeruli filled with factor 8 containing emboli.

Conclusion

The reduced intra-renal total vascular volume is associated with systemic atherosclerosis and glomeruli alterations in the apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mouse model.

Peer Review reports

Background

Chronic inflammation of large blood vessels, as seen in atherosclerosis, is associated with kidney dysfunction [1] and lipoprotein disorders [2]. In broad outline, the relation of systemic atherosclerosis and kidney function has been documented [3, 4] and the magnitude of renal dysfunction is related to cardiovascular risk factors [5].

In the past, animal models of acute and chronic kidney dysfunction have been widely used mimicking human disease [6–11]. Previously, it has been demonstrated that the apoE-/- mouse spontaneously develops lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) at the age of 86 weeks [12] and variations in the composition in dilated glomeruli lumens of apoE-/- mice compared to the apoE-Sendai mouse have been demonstrated.

This study is a continuation of our characterization of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in aortas of male apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice [13]. In that study we reported that the spatial location and magnitude of Vasa vasorum density and adventitial inflammation were strongly correlated in advanced atherosclerotic lesions and identified as an independent correlate to different categories of advanced lesion types. Inflammation in this mouse model has been shown in various organs, including the lung, heart and aorta [14].

The present study was designed to test the potential for quantitative imaging the renal vasculature as a marker of kidney function in this mouse model of advanced atherosclerosis. For analysis of the renal vascular volume we used high-resolution micro-CT as well as histology to localize, identify and quantitate regions of plaque formation and inflammation and its consequences as far as kidney alterations are concerned.

Methods

Experimental design

Experiments were performed according to the "German Animal-Protection Law" (1993). Approval of the institutional animal care and use committee was obtained before the start of this study.

Male apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice on a standard diet were (Charles Rivers Wiga, Sulzbach, Germany) euthanized after 80 (n = 6) weeks with a fatal dose of inhalative trichlormethane. Age-matched male C57/BL mice (n = 5) on a standard diet served as controls. The left ventricle was cannulated and infused with heparinized saline (10 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride with 1000 IE Heparin) until the venous effluent was free of blood. A lead-containing radiopaque (Microfil MV-122, Flow Tech, Carver, MA, USA) at a nominal pressure of 100 mmHg was infused. After polymerization of the compound, the kidneys were gathered in toto and immediately immersed in 4% neutral buffered formalin.

Micro- and Nano-CT Imaging

First, the kidneys were scanned in toto by a Micro-CT system described recently [13]. The resulting 3D images were displayed using image analysis software (Analyze® 6.0; Biomedical Imaging Resource, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN). For this study, the Micro-CT scanner was configured so that the side dimension of the cubic voxels was 12 μm (8-bit grayscale). Next, samples were re-scanned at 900 nm voxel size at 12-bit grayscale for more detailed analysis of the microvascular anatomy of the kidney using a nano-computed tomograph (Nano-CT_2011), manufactured and developed by SkyScan® (Kontich, Belgium). The microfocus X-ray source is a pumped type source (open type x-ray source) with a LaB6 cathode. The electron beam is focused by two electromagnetic lenses onto the surface of an x-ray target. The x-ray target (Au) contains a thin tungsten film plated on the surface of the beryllium window producing x-ray emission reaching a minimum spot size of < 400 nm. At this small spot size, small-angle scattering enhances object details down to 150 nm isotropic voxels size. The X-ray detector consists of a 12-bit digital, water-cooled CCD high-resolution (1280 × 1024 pixel) camera with fibre optic 3.7:1 coupling to an X-ray scintillator and digital frame-grabber. In our experimental setting, samples were positioned on a computer controlled rotation stage and scanned 180° around the vertical axis in rotation steps of 0.25 degrees at 40 kVp.

Histology

All kidneys from apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice (n = 12) and C57/BL (n = 10) were embedded in paraffin wax and cut into cross-sections of 6 μm with a microtome. Serial sections were mounted on a microscope slide and stained with hematoxylin & eosin and PAS (Periodic acid-Schiff stain).

For immunohistochemistry, paraffin-embedded tissue sections (5-micron) were stained after 1% pronase digestion using the DAKO TechMate system (Glostrup, DK) with rabbit polyclonal antibodies against factor VIII-related antigen (DAKO, A0082) diluted 1:12.000 in antibody diluent (DAKO, S2022). Mouse-anti-rabbit antibodies (DAKO, M0373, 1:200) and link antibodies, APAAP complex and chromogenes from the ChemMate kit (DAKO, K5000) were used followed by counterstaining with hematoxylin (DAKO, S2020, 1:2). Total number of glomeruli, cross-sectional surface area (μm2) and the capillary diameter (μm) within the glomeruli were measured in all samples. Cross-sections were digitalized and analyzed by an experienced pathologist (R. M. B.).

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using JMP 6.0 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). All data in the text and figures are presented as mean ± SEM. Vascular volume fraction, number and size of glomeruli were analyzed using unpaired t test and one-way ANOVA. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant in all analyses.

Results

Atherosclerotic Lesions and Inflammation

As determined by micro-CT and histology, the renal artery from apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice at the age of 80 weeks showed advanced atherosclerotic plaques with adventitial Vasa vasorum neovascularization and adventitial inflammation (Figure 1). The intrarenal vasculature with a diameter less than 400 μm did not show any atherosclerotic lesions. In contrast, the renal artery of C57/BL controls showed no atherosclerotic lesions and no perivascular inflammation.

Figure 1
figure1

Renal artery. Histology demonstrates concentric atherosclerotic plaques in the renal artery of the apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mouse at the age of 80 weeks (A, magnification × 50). Control animals showed no atherosclerotic lesions in the renal artery (B, magnification × 50). In high-power fields, plaque rupture (C, black arrow, magnification × 100) and contrast enhanced Vasa vasorum (D, black arrow, magnification × 100) in the adventitia with large clusters of inflammatory cells occur.

Full size image

Renal Inflammation

Vessels with a diameter between 150 to 300 μm were surrounded by large clusters of inflammatory cells (Figure 2). Histology demonstrated mixed inflammation, predominantly involved are leucocytes and plasma cells. Immunohistochemistry showed capillary aneurysms of the glomeruli filled with factor 8 containing emboli (Figure 3).

Figure 2
figure2

Parenchymal alterations. Control animals with normal kidney architecture and regular glomeruli (HE stain, magnification × 25). In contrast, kidneys of apoE-/- /LDL-/- double knockout mice demonstrate lipoprotein glomerulopathy (B, red arrows) and perivascular clusters of inflammatory cells (B, black arrows, magnification × 25).

Full size image
Figure 3
figure3

Immunohistochemestry. Glomeruli from controls (A, PAS staining; C, anti von-Willebrand Factor) and apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice (B, PAS staining; D, anti von-Willebrand Factor). Perivascular inflammation (B) and capillary aneurysms of the glomeruli (D, green arrow) filled with factor 8 containing emboli (D, black arrow) are demonstrated. (A, C, D, magnification × 200; B, magnification × 100)

Full size image

Quantitative Measurements

Quantitative measurements are summarized in Table 1. Micro- and Nano-CT imaging demonstrated a significant reduction in the total vascular volume in apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice at the age of 80 weeks compared to controls (3.2 ± 0.3 mm3 vs. 4.3 ± 0.4 mm2, respectively; p < 0.001, Figure 4). Separation of the intra-renal arterial and venous vasculature demonstrates a significant decrease of the venous vascular volume fraction in apoE-LDL double knockout mice compared to controls (Table 1). As shown in Figure 4, the renal vasculature demonstrated an inhomogeneous branching pattern with luminal encroachments. The glomeruli cross-sectional area (9959 ± 1083 μm2) and total number/cross-section (24.8 ± 4.5) increased in apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice compared to controls (3533 ± 398 μm2, 17.6 ± 3, respectively), whereas 41% of the total number of glomeruli showed evidence for lipoprotein associated glomerulopathy (Figure 5). Dilated glomerular capillaries were found in 85% of all glomeruli in apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice compared to controls (22.3 ± 3.9 vs. 8.2 ± 2.3 μm).

Table 1 Quantitative micro-CT measurements
Full size table
Figure 4
figure4

Quantitative 3D micro-CT imaging. Micro-CT imaging (maximum intensity projection, A, B, G, H; single-slice, E, F) of controls (A, C, E, G) and apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice (B, D, F, H). Reduced intrarenal vascular volume is present in apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice at the age of 80 weeks (B, D) compared to controls (A, C). Volume-rendering from controls (C) and double-knockout mice (D) demonstrate the reduced vascular perfusion territories of the intra-renal arterial (red) and venous (blue) vasculature. Nano-CT imaging demonstrates irregular vascular branching with luminal enchroachments in apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice (F) compared to controls (E).

Full size image
Figure 5
figure5

Histology. Control animals (A, C, E) with normal kidney architecture and regular glomeruli from the cortex (C) and the cortico-medullar junction (E) (PAS stain, A, magnification, ×12.5, C, E, PAS stain, magnification × 100). In contrast, kidneys of apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice (B, D, F) demonstrate lipoprotein glomerulopathy (D, F) from the cortex (D, PAS stain, magnification × 100) and the cortic-medullar junction (F, PAS stain, magnification × 100).

Full size image

Discussion

The present study demonstrates advanced atherosclerotic lesions in the renal artery and peri-vascular inflammation in kidneys of apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice at the age of 80 weeks. Moreover, capillary aneurysms with factor 8 containing emboli are present in apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice at the age of 80 weeks.

Atherosclerosis represents one of the major causes of death in the western world and is associated with chronic kidney disease [15]. There is evidence that progressive deterioration of renal function in chronic kidney disease may also lead to dyslipidemia, thereby inducing the production of free-radicals and proinflammatory factors leading to endothelial cell dysfunction. This circle may facilitate and promote atherogenesis [1, 11, 16–18].

The apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mouse develops advanced atherosclerotic lesions with high similarity to human disease [13]. This murine model that lack the gene encoding apoE and LDL receptor knockout develop spontaneous hypercholesterolemia/hyperlipoproteinemia [19]. In the present study, the renal artery contains atherosclerotic lesions at the age of 80 weeks, similar to those found in the aorta, as described previously [13]. Plaque characterization showed advanced lesions, adventitial inflammation and Vasa vasorum neovascularization. No atherosclerotic lesions were found in the intrarenal arteries with a diameter less than 0.4 mm. Intrarenal arteries with a diameter between 150 to 300 μm were surrounded by large clusters of inflammatory cells. These affected vessels were free of any atherosclerotic changes. Previously, same results were obtained for the intrapulmonary arteries in the same mouse model of atherosclerosis [14].

Necrotising media arteriitis with large clusters of inflammatory cells in the adventitia have been reported in renal arteries due to systemic hypertension [20, 21]. Hence, one can speculate, that peri-vascular inflammation is not necessarily associated with lesion formation per se, but with systemic atherogenesis and related to the vessel diameter.

Coexistence of hypercholesterolemia and hypertension increased Vasa vasorum density in rats [22], this is of particular interest, because our animals showed severe atherosclerotic lesions in the renal artery and therefore, we can not exclude hypertension due to hemodynamic relevant renal artery stenosis. We did not measure the intra-arterial systemic blood pressure, but, the left ventricle our apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice showed an increase in wall thickness compared to controls as demonstrated previously [13].

Variants of apolipoprotein E have been linked to lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG), a glomerular disease characterized by the deposition of lipoproteins in glomerular capillaries [23, 24]. Studies showed that cholesterol-feeding to various experimental animals induced the development of glomerular injury. Treatment of hyperlipidemic animals with lipid lowering drugs prevented the development of glomerulopathy. The apoE-/- mouse spontaneously develops LPG at the age of 86 weeks [12] and variations in the composition in dilated glomeruli lumens of apoE-/- mice compared to the apoE-Sendai mouse have been demonstrated. In this study [12], the link of peri-vascular and/or interstitial inflammation and/or advanced atherosclerotic lesion formation in the renal artery has not been described. Consequently, a pleiotropic effect including ageing, diabetes, advanced, systemic atherosclerosis with associated inflammation and hypercholesterolemia might be involved in LPG.

Conclusions

Systemic atherosclerosis, Vasa vasorum neovascularization and parenchymal inflammation are seemingly inseparably linked, perhaps triggered and perpetuated by inflammatory reactions within the vascular wall. In addition to this mouse model providing a convenient method of following the progression of the systemic atherosclerotic process, it provides potential for a thorough and rapid evaluation of methods to arrest or reverse kidney alterations. As quantitative information of the vasculature can be obtained using high-resolution micro-CT, imaging and monitoring of inflammatory reactions during the onset, during the course and e.g. after anti-inflammatory therapy of atherosclerosis can be qualitatively and quantitatively performed.

References

  1. 1.

    Fassett RG, D'Intini V, Healy H, Gowardman J, Gan JS, Sharman JE, et al: Assessment of arterial stiffness, oxidative stress and inflammation in acute kidney injury [In Process Citation]. BMC Nephrol. 2009, 10: 15-10.1186/1471-2369-10-15.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  2. 2.

    Attman PO, Samuelsson O: Dyslipidemia of kidney disease [In Process Citation]. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2009, 20: 293-29. 10.1097/MOL.0b013e32832dd832.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. 3.

    Bahous SA, Blacher J, Safar ME: Aortic stiffness, kidney disease, and renal transplantation. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2009, 11: 98-03. 10.1007/s11906-009-0019-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. 4.

    Kastarinen H, Ukkola O, Kesaniemi YA: Glomerular filtration rate is related to carotid intima-media thickness in middle-aged adults. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2009, 24: 2767-2772. 10.1093/ndt/gfp172.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. 5.

    Schiele F: Renal dysfunction and coronary disease: a high-risk combination. J Nephrol. 2009, 22: 39-45.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. 6.

    Zoja C, Abbate M, Remuzzi G: Progression of chronic kidney disease: insights from animal models. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2006, 15: 250-257. 10.1097/01.mnh.0000222691.53970.83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. 7.

    Kimura M, Suzuki T, Hishida A: A rat model of progressive chronic renal failure produced by microembolism. Am J Pathol. 1999, 155: 1371-1380.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. 8.

    Bianchi G, Ferrari P, Cusi D, Salardi S, Guidi E, Niutta E, et al: Genetic and experimental hypertension in the animal model-similarities and dissimilarities to the development of human hypertension. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1986, 8 (Suppl 5): S64-S70. 10.1097/00005344-198608005-00013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. 9.

    Lee HT, Park SW, Kim M, D'Agati VD: Acute kidney injury after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice. Lab Invest. 2009, 89: 196-208. 10.1038/labinvest.2008.124.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. 10.

    Gaillard V, Jover B, Casellas D, Cordaillat M, Atkinson J, Lartaud I: Renal function and structure in a rat model of arterial calcification and increased pulse pressure. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2008, 295: F1222-F1229. 10.1152/ajprenal.00081.2008.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. 11.

    Dixon JL, Stoops JD, Parker JL, Laughlin MH, Weisman GA, Sturek M: Dyslipidemia and vascular dysfunction in diabetic pigs fed an atherogenic diet. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1999, 19: 2981-2992.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. 12.

    Ishimura A, Watanabe M, Nakashima H, Ito K, Miyake K, Mochizuki S, et al: Lipoprotein glomerulopathy induced by ApoE-Sendai is different from glomerular lesions in aged apoE-deficient mice. Clin Exp Nephrol. 2009, 13: 430-437. 10.1007/s10157-009-0195-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. 13.

    Langheinrich AC, Michniewicz A, Sedding DG, Walker G, Beighley PE, Rau WS, et al: Correlation of vasa vasorum neovascularization and plaque progression in aortas of apolipoprotein E(-/-)/low-density lipoprotein(-/-) double knockout mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2006, 26: 347-352. 10.1161/01.ATV.0000196565.38679.6d.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. 14.

    Langheinrich AC, Michniewicz A, Bohle RM, Ritman EL: Vasa vasorum neovascularization and lesion distribution among different vascular beds in ApoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice. Atherosclerosis. 2007, 191: 73-81. 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2006.05.021.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. 15.

    Chade AR, Lerman A, Lerman LO: Kidney in early atherosclerosis. Hypertension. 2005, 45: 1042-1049. 10.1161/01.HYP.0000167121.14254.a0.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. 16.

    Godin DV, Dahlman DM: Effects of hypercholesterolemia on tissue antioxidant status in two species differing in susceptibility to atherosclerosis. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 1993, 79: 151-166.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. 17.

    Kshirsagar AV, Colindres RE: Systemic atherosclerosis and kidney disease. Arch Intern Med. 2006, 166: 250-10.1001/archinte.166.2.250-a.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. 18.

    Magoori K, Kang MJ, Ito MR, Kakuuchi H, Ioka RX, Kamataki A, et al: Severe hypercholesterolemia, impaired fat tolerance, and advanced atherosclerosis in mice lacking both low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 and apolipoprotein E. J Biol Chem. 2003, 278: 11331-11336. 10.1074/jbc.M211987200.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. 19.

    Ishibashi S, Herz J, Maeda N, Goldstein JL, Brown MS: The two-receptor model of lipoprotein clearance: tests of the hypothesis in "knockout" mice lacking the low density lipoprotein receptor, apolipoprotein E, or both proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1994, 91: 4431-4435. 10.1073/pnas.91.10.4431.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. 20.

    Helmchen U, Bohle RM, Kneissler U, Groene HJ: Intrarenal arteries in rats with early two-kidney, one clip hypertension. Hypertension. 1984, 6: III87-III92.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. 21.

    Helmchen U, Kneissler U, Bohle RM, Reher A, Groene HJ: Adaptation and decompensation of intrarenal small arteries in experimental hypertension. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1984, 6 (Suppl 4): S696-S705. 10.1097/00005344-198406004-00017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. 22.

    Kai H, Kuwahara F, Tokuda K, Shibata R, Kusaba K, Niiyama H, et al: Coexistence of hypercholesterolemia and hypertension impairs adventitial vascularization. Hypertension. 2002, 39: 455-459. 10.1161/hy0202.103001.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. 23.

    Hoffmann M, Scharnagl H, Panagiotou E, Banghard W, Wieland H, Marz W: Diminished LDL receptor and high heparin binding of apolipoprotein E2 Sendai associated with lipoprotein glomerulopathy. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2001, 12: 524-530.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. 24.

    Komatsu T, Kanatsu K, Ochi H, Kita T, Doi T: Lipoprotein glomerulopathy with a new apolipoprotein E phenotype. Am J Kidney Dis. 1995, 25: 952-953. 10.1016/0272-6386(95)90581-2.

    CAS  Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Pre-publication history

  1. The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2369/11/18/prepub

Download references

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank G. Martels, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Germany, for technical assistance. The investigation was supported from the faculty of human medicine of the Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Germany, from the faculty of medicine of the Saarland University, Germany and the German Research Foundation (DFG, # INST 162/291-1 FUGG).

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
    • Alexander C Langheinrich
    • , Marian Kampschulte
    •  & Franziska Scheiter
  2. Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
    • Wolfgang Weidner
  3. Department of Pathology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
    • Christian Dierkes
  4. Department of Pathology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
    • Rainer M Bohle
  5. Department of Cardiology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
    • Philip Stieger
Authors
  1. Alexander C Langheinrich
    View author publications
    You can also search for this author in
  2. Marian Kampschulte
    View author publications
    You can also search for this author in
  3. Franziska Scheiter
    View author publications
    You can also search for this author in
  4. Christian Dierkes
    View author publications
    You can also search for this author in
  5. Philip Stieger
    View author publications
    You can also search for this author in
  6. Rainer M Bohle
    View author publications
    You can also search for this author in
  7. Wolfgang Weidner
    View author publications
    You can also search for this author in

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alexander C Langheinrich.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

ACL, MK, FS carried out the micro-CT studies and drafted the manuscript. Histopathology was performed by RMB and CD. PS and WW participated in its design and coordination and helped to draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Authors’ original submitted files for images

Rights and permissions

This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Langheinrich, A.C., Kampschulte, M., Scheiter, F. et al. Atherosclerosis, inflammation and lipoprotein glomerulopathy in kidneys of apoE-/-/LDL-/- double knockout mice. BMC Nephrol 11, 18 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2369-11-18

Download citation

Keywords

  • Renal Artery
  • Double Knockout Mouse
  • Perivascular Inflammation
  • Systemic Atherosclerosis
  • Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesion

BMC Nephrology

ISSN: 1471-2369

Contact us