A cynomolgus monkey model of carotid atherosclerosis induced by puncturing and scratching of the carotid artery combined with a high-fat diet.

A cynomolgus monkey model of carotid atherosclerosis induced by puncturing and scratching of the carotid artery combined with a high-fat diet. Exp Ther Med. 2018 Jul;16(1):113-120 Authors: Zhang L, Zeng Y, Qi J, Xu Y, Zhang S, Zhou X, Ping R, Fu S Abstract Cardio-cerebrovascular disease is one of the three major causes of mortality in humans and constitutes a major socioeconomic burden. Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a very common lesion of the arterial walls, which leads to narrowing of the arteries, in some cases occluding them entirely, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a cynomolgus monkey model of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) induced by puncturing and scratching combined with a high-fat diet. A total of 12 cynomolgus monkeys were randomly divided into four groups: A, puncturing and scratching carotid artery intimas + high-fat diet (n=3); B, puncturing and scratching carotid artery intimas + regular diet (n=3); C, high-fat diet only (n=3); and D, regular diet only (n=3). Blood was harvested at weeks 4, 6 and 8 and plasma lipid levels were assessed. At week 8, monkeys were sacrificed and carotid arteries were harvested for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to observe pathological changes. The results revealed that a high-fat diet led to increased plasma lipid levels and accelerated plaque formation. Carotid color Doppler ultrasonography was performed and, along with...
Source: Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine - Category: General Medicine Tags: Exp Ther Med Source Type: research