A minimally invasive animal model of atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia for translational research

• DOI: 10.1186/s41747-025-00558-1
• Publication Date: 2025-02-06T13:31:48Z
• Authors: Max L. A. Ebert; Vanessa F. Schmidt; Osman Öcal; Anne von Thaden; Olaf Dietrich; Bastian Popper; Sandra Elges; Max Seidensticker; Jens Ricke; Melanie A. Kimm; Astrid Jeibmann; Moritz Wildgruber
• Keywords: Neointimal hyperplasia; Lumen (anatomy); Balloon catheter; Animal model

Abstract Background A variety of animal models has been developed for research on atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia. While small contain limits translational research, we aimed to develop an model with lumen-narrowing plaques foster basic in vascular biology, the development new angioplasty devices, vessel wall imaging approaches. Methods Endothelial denudation was performed via a minimally invasive approach through auricular artery, followed by stent-retriever mediated endothelial injury New Zealand White rabbits ( n = 10). Along high-fat diet, hyperplasia iliac arteries within 6-week period after mechanical injury. The method compared conventional rabbit 10) using balloon surgical access, both were analyzed particular focus welfare. Fisher’s exact, Mann–Whitney U , unpaired t -tests used. Results average time entire procedure 62 min group 31 p < 0.001). resulted less periprocedural morbidity (including expenditure, intubation time, anesthetics, end-tidal CO 2 level) mortality (40% 0% model, 0.011), while generating atherosclerotic lesions key features as humans revealed time-of-flight magnetic resonance histology. Conclusion We high reproducibility improved welfare research. Relevance statement This advanced could allow atherosclerosis, including pharmacological investigations well interventional procedures. Key Points Rabbit show similar lipid metabolism humans. Stent-retriever causes lumen narrowing. minimal allows clinical translation, imaging. Graphical