Lipoprotein Metabolism and Atherosclerosis in the WHHL-Rabbit-An Animal Model for Familial Hypercholesterolemia-

Abstract

A new animal model of human familial hypercholesterolemia, known as Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit, has recently become available. Homozygous WHHL-rabbit resembles their human counterparts in having an accumulation of LDL on a low-fat diet, severe fulminant atherosclerosis and a genetic defect in LDL-receptor in all tissues. Using this rabbit, we have been able to study lipoprotein metabolism and to ascertain the accumulation of LDL.
In this report, I want to discuss the following questions :
1. How does the defect or reduction of LDL receptor elevate LDL particles?
2. How can the synthesis of LDL receptor be induced?
3. Which lipoproteins can transform macrophages into foam cells?
4. Is it possible to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis in WHHL rabbits in vivo?