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

Abstract

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 ) in C57BL/6J ( mg/dL and  mg·h/dL) versus Swiss ( mg/dL and  mg·h/dL), DBA2 ( mg/dL and  mg·h/dL, ), and BalbC mice ( mg/dL and  mg·h/dL). Cardiac output was higher (all ) in Swiss ( μL/min) versus C57BL/6J ( μL/min), DBA2 ( μL/min), and BalbC mice ( 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.