Figure 5 | Scientific Reports

Figure 5

From: Activation of immune responses against the basement membrane component collagen type IV does not affect the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice

Figure 5

Immunization of ApoE−/− mice with collagen α1α2(IV)-PADRE does not alter atherosclerotic plaque size. ApoE−/− mice were immunized with collagen α1α2(IV)-PADRE peptides (25 or 50 µg), PADRE (8 or 16 µg) or PBS. Plaque area was analyzed in en face preparations of total aorta (A), aortic arch (B) and descending aorta (C) stained with Oil red O (scale bars = 5 mm). Subvalvular plaque areas (D) were measured in cross-sections from the aortic root. Macrophage (anti-CD68) (E), smooth muscle cell (alpha-actin SMC) (F), and CD4 cell content were analyzed in subvalvular plaques. Representative photomicrographs are shown for immunizations with 50 µg of collagen α1α2(IV) and 16 µg of PADRE (scale bars = 400 µm). ANOVA followed by Sidak’s multiple comparisons post-test. Each dot represents one mouse and the bar denotes mean values. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.005.

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