Preparation of vulnerable plaques in abdominal aorta:an experimental study in rabbits

Objective To establish an animal model of vulnerable plaque in abdominal aorta by pharmacological triggering of atherosclerosis in rabbits.Methods Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups: group A,receiving balloon injury together with high lipid diet;group B,receiving high lipid diet only,and group C,receiving regular diet only.After feeding for 12 weeks,all the rabbits in three groups underwent pharmacological triggering with Chinese Russell’s viper venom(CRVV) and histamine to induce the rupture of the plaque and the formation of thrombosis.Results In 8 survival rabbits of group A,ten lesions with the stenotic degree over 50% were found,which had large lipid core with the thickness of fibrous cap being thinner than 65μm,by which these ten lesions were judged as vulnerable plaques.In 9 rabbits of group B,only 3 vulnerable plaques could be determined,while no single vulnerable plaque could be identified in the rabbits of group C.Conclusion For establishing an animal model of vulnerable plaque in abdominal aorta in rabbits,balloon injury combined with high lipid diet is a feasible and reliable method.