The mouse as a model for human cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia.

The mouse has been used as an experimental model for atherosclerosis research for only a short time; however, the sophisticated genetics of this species has resulted in a number of innovative approaches that are not possible with other models. The availability of inbred, congenic, recombinant inbred, and mutant strains has resulted in the discovery of a number of genes affecting atherosclerosis susceptibility. More importantly, the newer genetic technologies such as quantitative trait-loci mapping, transgenic mice, and gene-targeted mice are producing important insights into atherosclerosis. This review, focusing on murine models of cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia, will be divided into two parts: naturally occurring models and genetically engineered models.