Glucose Tolerance and Left Ventricular Pressure-Volume Relationships in Frequently Used Mouse Strains

Abstract EN

We investigated glucose tolerance and left ventricular contractile performance in 4 frequently used mouse strains (Swiss, C57BL/6J, DBA2, and BalbC) at 24 weeks.

Glucose tolerance was tested by measuring blood glucose levels in time after intraperitoneal glucose injection (2 mg/g body weight).

Left ventricular contractility was assessed by pressure-conductance analysis.

Peak glucose levels and glucose area under the curve were higher (all P<.05) in C57BL/6J (418±65 mg/dL and 813±100 mg⋅h/dL) versus Swiss (237±66 mg/dL and 470±126 mg⋅h/dL), DBA2 (113±20 mg/dL and 304±49 mg⋅h/dL, P<.01), and BalbC mice (174±55 mg/dL and 416±70 mg⋅h/dL).

Cardiac output was higher (all P<.05) in Swiss (14038±4530 μL/min) versus C57BL/6J (10405±2683 μL/min), DBA2 (10438±3251 μL/min), and BalbC mice (8466±3013 μL/min).

Load-independent left ventricular contractility assessed as recruitable stroke work (PRSW) was comparable in all strains.

In conclusion, glucose tolerance and load-dependent left ventricular performance parameters were different between 4 mice background strains, but PRSW was comparable.