Fusiform aneurysm model in rabbit carotid artery

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Surgical Models
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are complex vascular diseases.
• Developing accessible and reproducible animal models is crucial for AAA research.
• Current models may lack reproducibility or utilize less accessible anatomical locations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reproducible and accessible model of elastase-induced fusiform aneurysm in rabbit carotid arteries.
• To optimize elastase concentration for aneurysm induction while minimizing adverse effects.
• To characterize the pathological changes associated with the induced aneurysm model.

Main Methods:

• Elastase (1-30 U) was infused into the lumen of carotid rabbit arteries.
• Angiography, histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and zymography were performed after four weeks.
• Optimal elastase concentration was determined by balancing aneurysm formation with mortality and thrombosis rates.

Main Results:

• An elastase concentration of 3 U was identified as optimal.
• This concentration led to a significant increase in external carotid diameter (1.9 to 3.1 mm, p < 0.0001).
• Pathological changes included elastic fiber degradation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion, apoptosis, and macrophage infiltration.

Conclusions:

• The elastase-induced carotid artery aneurysm model reliably duplicates key features of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• The carotid artery offers a more accessible anatomical site for aneurysm research compared to the aorta.
• This model provides a valuable tool for studying aneurysm pathogenesis and testing potential therapies.