Figure 9: BAT activation in Apoe^−/− and Ldlr^−/− mice reduces plasma TG, but not TC nor atherosclerosis.

Fasting plasma (a) TG and (b) TC levels were measured in WTD-fed Apoe^−/− mice at the indicated time points during treatment with the β3-AR agonist CL316243 or vehicle. (c) Slides of the valve area of the aortic root of CL316243- or vehicle-treated Apoe^−/− mice were stained with modified Van Gieson stain and representative pictures are shown. Scale bar, 400 μm. (d) Lesion area as a function of distance was determined per mouse starting from the appearance of open aortic valve leaflets covering 900 μm. The SQRT of the atherosclerotic lesion area from d in Apoe^−/− mice was plotted against the plasma (e) total TG and (f) TC exposure during the 12-week treatment period. Linear regression analyses were performed. Fasting plasma (g) TG and (h) TC levels were measured in WTD-fed Ldlr^−/− mice at the indicated time points during treatment with the β3-AR agonist CL316243 or vehicle. (i) Slides of the valve area of the aortic root of CL316243- or vehicle-treated Ldlr^−/− mice were stained with modified Van Gieson stain and representative pictures are shown. Scale bar, 400 μm. (j) Lesion area as a function of distance was determined per mouse starting from the appearance of open aortic valve leaflets covering 900 μm. The SQRT of the atherosclerotic lesion area from j in Ldlr^−/− mice was plotted against the plasma (k) total TG and (l) TC exposure during the 12-week treatment period. Linear regression analyses were performed. Values are means±s.e.m. (n=8–11 per group or pool). *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001 (a,b,d,g,h,j: unpaired two-tailed Student’s t-test).