Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries. Mice are the most frequently used animal model to study the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis. En face analyses of the aorta and cross-sections of the aortic root are the two common modes for quantifying the severity of atherosclerosis in mice. This mini-review introduces these two methods, discusses their pros and cons, and provides suggestions to optimize the quantification of atherosclerosis, thereby enhancing rigor and reproducibility in preclinical research.
Keywords: Aorta; Aortic root; Atherosclerosis; En face; Mouse; Staining.