Figure 2. Generation of SMC-Scd1/2 KO mice.

(A) Levels of Scd1 and Scd2 mRNA in the medial layer of aortas of SMC-Scd1/2 KO mice and control mice (n = 8). Scd1 and Scd2 RNA expression was determined by qPCR. (B) Immunoblot analysis of SCD1 and SCD2 proteins. Total protein extracts were prepared from the medial layer of the aortas and subjected to immunoblot analysis with SCD1- and SCD2-specific antibodies. (C) Microsomal SCD activity in the medial layer of aortas. Microsomal protein (100 μg) was incubated with ¹⁴C-18:0-CoA in the presence of NADH. SCD activity was determined as the conversion of 18:0-CoA to 18:1n-9. (D) Fatty acid content in the medial layer of aortas from SMC-Scd1/2 KO mice and control mice. **P < 0.001 vs. control mice (2-tailed Student’s t test).