The effect of nebivolol on atherogenesis in apoE - knockout mice

Nebivolol is a novel beta1-blocker with a nitric oxide (NO) - potentiating, vasodilatory effect that is unique among beta-blockers. It was already shown that nebivolol ameliorates atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. We, therefore, wanted to investigate whether this is the case in the fine experimental model of atherosclerosis: apolipoprotein E (apoE)- knockout mice. Nebivolol attenuated atherogenesis, measured both by "en face" method (9.23±1.8% vs. 14.6±2.1%) and "cross-section" method (63125±8455 µm2 vs. 91416±8357 m2). This is the first report showing the effect of nebivolol on atherogenesis in gene-targeted mice.