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

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 mu L/min) versus C57BL/6J (10405 +/- 2683 mu L/min), DBA2 (10438 +/- 3251 mu L/min), and BalbC mice (8466 +/- 3013 mu L/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.