Exploration of Adhesion Molecule Expression in Cardiac Muscle of Early Atherosclerosis Dyslipidemic Sprague Dawley Rats

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to examine the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in cardiac tissue of dyslipidemic Sprague Dawley rats. METHODS: Eight Sprague Dawley strain rats, with 150-200 gram body weight, were divided into two groups. The control group was fed a standard diet, the positive control group was fed a high-fat diet as our previous study for 8 weeks. The pattern of distribution of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in cardiac muscle cell was examined by immunofluorescence and observed with a confocal laser scanning microscope. Lipid profile was also examined at the end of the study. RESULT: Independent t-test showed no differences in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in cardiac muscle of hypercholesterol-diet-fed Sprague Dawley rat compared to control. CONCLUSION: The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in cardiac muscle did not change after the onset of atherosclerosis.