Ultrastructural changes in a murine model of graded Bruch membrane lipoidal degeneration and corresponding VEGF164 detection.

Purpose: To evaluate ultrastructural changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor knockout (R(-/-)) mice consuming different diets as a potential model of Bruch membrane (BM) lipoidal degeneration and to determine the distribution and concentration of VEGF(164) in this mouse model.

Methods: Eight-month-old LDL-R(-/-) mice and wild-type controls were fed a standard or a high-fat diet. Animals were killed, and plasma cholesterol levels were determined.