Figure 3.

ApoE^−/− and ApoE^−/− Fbn1^C1039G+/− mice can be used as tools to study necroptosis in atherosclerosis. ApoE^−/− and ApoE^−/− Fbn1^C1039G+/− mice (genotype factor) were fed a western-type diet (WD) for 6, 12, and 24 weeks (time factor). Sections of the proximal ascending aorta were stained with hematoxylin/eosin to measure (A) plaque size and (B) necrotic core area. (C) Expression of necroptosis proteins (MLKL, RIPK1, RIPK3) was analyzed via Western blotting in plaque lysates of the aortic arch as well as in bone marrow-derived macrophages (Mφ) of wild-type mice. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. 0 weeks WD (two-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test between timepoints per genotype, n = 6–10 mice per group).