[The effect of expressed human apolipoprotein AI on plasma high density lipoprotein level in transgenic mice].
OBJECTIVE
To study the regulation of human apolipoprotein AI(h-apo AI) gene expression and its role in high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism.


METHODS
Transgenic C57BL/6 mice established in this laboratory with human apoAI gene containing mouse metallothionein-I(MT-I) promoter were used for investigation.


RESULTS
Southern blot identified the presence of 4-15 copies of h-apo AI gene in the transgenic mice. Northern blot showed that human apo AI mRNA was expressed mainly in the liver and kidneys, and the high level of h-apo AI mRNA was obtained in liver, kidneys and small intestine after Zinc(Zn) induction. Total Plasma apoAI Level in transgenic mice was significantly increased than that in the controls, and a high h-apoAI level was detected in the transgenic mice (46% increased after Zn induction). Additionally, total and HDL cholesterol levels were noticed to be highly increased to 47% before and 103% after Zn induction in the transgenic mice comparing to that of the controls. The plasma HDL and h-apoAI levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.85, P < 0.01) in the transgenic mice.


CONCLUSIONS
Apo AI has a profound effect on regulating HDL levels in the transgenic mice. This animal model is considered appropriate for studying the effect of apoAI on lipid metabolism and the mechanism combating atherogenesis.
Department of Pathology, PUMC, Beijing.
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Li
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Gu
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She
D000818:Animals; D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008822:Mice, Transgenic
D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL