Using multiple mouse models, we explored the impact of aging on the size and severity of atherosclerotic lesions. In young, middle-aged and old apolipoprotein E knockout mice (ApoE −/− ) fed an atherogenic diet (AD) for 3–8 weeks, plaque/atheroma formation in the descending aorta and aortic root, and atheroma development in the carotid in response to partial carotid ligation (PCL) were assessed. Total and LDL cholesterol, and...