Methylated arginine analogues: their potential role in atherosclerosis and cognition using the poloxamer-407-induced mouse model of dyslipidemia

Abstract

and anxiety relative to controls. Passive/avoidance testing to assess learning and memory provided suggestive evidence that poloxamer-treated mice could potentially be characterized as having undergone a disruption in the process of forgetting about an aversive event; specifically, a foot shock, when compared to control mice. Thus, it is also suggested that the increase in both plasma monomethylarginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine in poloxamer-407-treated mice may somehow influence learning and memory, since endothelial dysfunction caused by reduced nitric oxide availability has been hypothesized to negatively influence cognitive function.

Synergism of mechanisms underlying early-stage changes in retina function in male hyperglycemic db/db mice in the absence and presence of chemically-induced dyslipidemia

“…was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO) and used as received. P-407 (i.e., poloxamer 407) is comprised of a hydrophobic central core of poly(oxypropylene) units (MW ~ 4000 g/mol), which is flanked by repeating hydrophilic poly(oxyethylene) groups that terminate in primary hydroxyl groups 29 . The proportions of poly(oxyethylene) and poly(oxypropylene) groups contained in P-407 are 70% and 30%, respectively 29 .…”

“…administration of a triblock copolymer [poloxamer 407 (P-407); avg. MW ~ 12,500 g/mol] 29 . The P-407-induced mouse model of dyslipidemia is able to selectively elevate the two constituents of plasma lipids [triglycerides (TG) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)] that are conceivably the most problematic, independent risk factors for DR development 30 , while concurrently producing not only limited levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), but also HDL that is ‘dysfunctional’ with regard to its antioxidant properties 31 .…”

Mechanisms Underlying Early-Stage Changes in Visual Performance and Retina Function After Experimental Induction of Sustained Dyslipidemia

“…Additionally, this mouse model is able to specifically elevate the two groups of lipids [triglycerides (TG) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol] that are potentially the most problematic, independent risk factors for the development of DR 17 , while simultaneously producing low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Mice are made dyslipidemic with a triblock copolymer called poloxamer 407 (P-407) 18 . The P-407-induced mouse model of dyslipidemia can elevate plasma TG to any desired concentration, whereas, in contrast, classic diet-induced, non-genetically-modified mouse models of hyperlipidemia cannot.…”