Figure 3.

AIBP expression regulates autophagy and cell survival in atherosclerotic lesions of hypercholesterolemic mice. (A and B) Aortic root sections from hypercholesterolemic WT and Apoa1bp^−/− mice were stained with anti-LC3 (red) and anti-CD68 (green) antibodies to assay for autophagy in macrophage-rich areas. The LC3 fluorescent intensities were measured in CD68+ areas and specific LC3 intensities per mm² of CD68+ areas were calculated. Data are from immunohistochemical staining conducted on 5 separate days and because fluorescence intensity varies from day-to-day, repeated measures t-test was conducted to calculate the p-value. (C and D) TUNEL staining showing apoptotic cells in the aortic root sections. The numbers of TUNEL and CD68 double-positive cells were counted. (E) CD68-positive area in each lesion. Mean±SEM; N=4–5. ***, p<0.0005.