[Expression of induced atherosclerosis in the rabbit model]

Atherosclerosis in rabbits was induced by administering a 2% cholesterol diet and additional endothelial denudation of the aorta and iliac artery as a model for vascular surgery. In addition, the serum cholesterol-, serum triglyceride-, and HDL-cholesterol values were examined. After 22 weeks the intima and most often the media showed atheromatosis and fibrosis, in most of the arteries with intimal necroses. All arteries developed marked to pronounced stenoses, calcium deposits were only observed in single cases. The intensity of the arterial lesions was found to be similar to the appearance of human atherosclerosis.