anesthetized mice using the Vevo 2100 system (VisualSonics, Toronto ON). The
following parameters were measured as indicators of function and ventricular
remodeling: left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), ejection fraction,
end-diastolic left ventricular anterior wall thickness (LVAWTd), end-diastolic
left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWTd), and left ventricular mass
(LV mass). Lean and diabetic mice underwent Doppler echocardiography and tissue
Doppler imaging at 6 months of age to assess diastolic function using the Vevo
2100 system (VisualSonics). Transmitral LV inflow velocities were measured from
apical 4-chamber view by pulsed-wave Doppler. Peak early E (E-wave) and late A
(A-wave) filling velocities and E/A ratio were measured according to the
guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography (29 (link)). Tissue Doppler Imaging of the mitral annulus was
obtained from the apical 4-chamber view. A 1.0-mm sample volume was placed
sequentially at the medial mitral annulus. Analysis was performed for assessment
of early (E′) diastolic velocity, and the E/E′ ratio was
calculated. Views and data were exported for offline calculation using Vevo 2100
quantification software (Vevo 2100 v.1.6.0). The offline analysis was performed
by a sonographer blinded to study groups.