Inhibition of hepatic scavenger receptor-class B type I by RNA interference decreases atherosclerosis in rabbits

► Small hairpin RNA specific for SR-BI nucleotides 214-232 reduces SR-BI expression in vitro. ► SiRNA treatment reduces liver expression of SR-BI in New Zealand White rabbits. ► Liver specific inhibition of SR-BI leads to a 50% reduction of atherosclerosis in cholesterol fed rabbits. ► The role of SR-BI in rabbits may be different from the one found in rodents.