Characterization of Serum Lipoproteins from Suncus: A Candidate Animal Model for Abetalipoproteinemia1

Abstract

We have previously reported that fatty liver was induced in a novel experimental animal, Suncus murinus (suncus), by 24-h fasting and that apolipoprotein B (apo B) was not actively synthesized in the liver. However, a faint signal of apo B mRNA was detected in the liver, suggesting possible synthesis of apo B. Small amounts of VLDL and LDL have been separated from suncus serum by ultracentrifugation. Electron microscopic study of the lipoproteins revealed the existence of small particles in VLDL. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of the lipoproteins showed that the peaks of TG and cholesterol were mainly at the HDL fraction. These results indicate the existence of lipoproteins as small as HDL which were rich in TG and floated at the density of VLDL upon ultracentrifugation. Apolipoprotein analysis showed two bands of 500- and 200-kDa proteins in VLDL and LDL. Western blot analysis using antibody against the 500-kDa protein revealed reaction not only with suncus 500- and 200-kDa proteins but also with human apo B-100. In conclusion, a small amount of apo B is transported in the suncus serum as VLDL and LDL, although almost all lipid is packed in HDL-size particles.

Spontaneous Polycystic Kidneys with Chronic Renal Failure in an Aged House Musk Shrew (Suncus murinus)

“…TG and T-CHO concentrations in healthy Suncus murinus are considerably low [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. As shown for the low GLU levels, in the present case the increase in TG and T-CHO concentrations could be due to uremia, sepsis or mobilization of tissue fat stores for energy purpose [ 23 ].…”

Animal Models of Human Cerebellar Ataxias: a Cornerstone for the Therapies of the Twenty-First Century

“…ApoB synthesis and secretion are defective. Furthermore, apoB83 is cleared from the plasma extremely rapidly [72,73].…”

Localization of the genes for major ribosomal RNA on chromosomes of the house musk shrew, Suncus murinus, at meiotic and mitotic cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization and silver staining.

“…Many laboratory strains and mutant stocks of the shrew derived from different localities are widely used for biomedical and genetic research (Oda et al, 1985;Ohama et al, 1993;Ohno et al, 1994). There have been many studies analyzing karyotipic variations in the shrew by G-and C-banding methods (Yong, 1974;Obara and Miyai, 1981;Yosida, 1982;Raman and Nanda, 1986;Rogatcheva et al, 1997).…”