Humana Atherosclerosis: Experimental Methods and Protocols: 52 (Methods in Molecular Medicine, 52)

Atherosclerosis: Experimental Methods and Protocols aims to provide the reader with a compilation of techniques that will prove useful to active investigators across the field of experimental atherosclerosis research. In fact, this volume is unique, the first devoted to a broad spectrum of techniques and assays, some adopted from other disciplines, not previously brought together in one book. Our approach is designed to permit researchers to select the techniques that will answer their particular sets of questions, in any of the expanding number of both animal models and in vitro systems now available for studying factors contributing to the development or progression of athe- sclerotic lesions. Researchers can only benefit from this collection of relevant techniques, written and explained by experts in each of these fields. Both investigators beginning in the field of atherosclerosis studies and researchers entering the field from related but different areas of study will benefit from Atherosclerosis: Experimental Methods and Protocols. Sufficient background is provided for a beginner to carry out the techniques described in the chapters, yet great depth is achieved owing to the special expertise of the authors. Researchers new to the field of atherosclerosis will appreciate the benefits of having these techniques gathered in one volume for their inves- gations. In addition, researchers already in the field of atherosclerosis research may benefit from the wide array of techniques and ideas provided by enjoying expanded opportunities to investigate their hypotheses. Review "Methods for setting up animal model periments and special assays of blood and cellular moments of the pathologic processes involved are thoroughly described and referenced. Newly emerging animal models based on genetic manipulation are described in depth, with sufficient detail to broaden the scope of research by seasoned investigators to permit the novice to enter this field. ...Anyone working in vascular pathology and atherosclerosis research will find a wealth of practical information describing modern research methods." - Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis "Atherosclerosis is recommended for academic health science libraries. It is also recommended to individual laboratories that conduct research in the area of atherosclerosis or heart disease." -E-STREAMS From the Back Cover Atherosclerosis-a major killer of people in Western societies-is not yet completely understood. In Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols, Angela Drew and a panel of experts have assembled a comprehensive collection of traditional and cutting-edge techniques for investigating this disease and its possible treatments. Each readily reproducible method includes step-by-step instructions and practical information regarding sample collection, the choice of animal model system, experimental design, and practical data analysis techniques. Assay systems for serum or plasma determination of lipoproteins are also described, along with assays for those plasma proteins recently identified as implicated in atherogenesis, including cholestryl ester transfer protein, homocysteine, glycated lipoproteins, and apolipoprotein(a). Additional techniques cover the isolation and culture of cells and glycosaminoglycans from atherosclerotic plaques, and the collection and analysis of experimental atherosclerotic lesions. Comprehensive and richly detailed, Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols enables all biomedical investigators to select those optimized techniques that may be most fruitfully used to study the development, progression, and treatment of atherosclerotic lesions today.