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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model Induced by Perivascular Application of Elastase
Published on: February 11, 2022
Elastase-induced intracranial aneurysms in hypertensive mice
Yoshitsugu Nuki1, Tsung-Ling Tsou, Chie Kurihara
1Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave, No. 3C-38, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|November 4, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed a new mouse model for intracranial aneurysms by combining hypertension and elastic lamina degeneration. This model showed that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial for aneurysm formation, offering insights into human aneurysm development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Intracranial aneurysm formation mechanisms remain unclear.
- A robust animal model is needed to study aneurysm development.
- Clinical factors like hypertension and elastic lamina degeneration are implicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a high-incidence animal model for intracranial aneurysms.
- To investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in aneurysm formation.
Main Methods:
- Induced hypertension via angiotensin II infusion in mice.
- Disrupted elastic lamina using elastase injection into the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Administered doxycycline (MMP inhibitor) and used MMP-knockout mice.
Main Results:
- 77% of mice developed intracranial aneurysms within 2 weeks.
- Aneurysm incidence showed dose-dependent responses to elastase and angiotensin II.
- MMP inhibition (doxycycline) reduced incidence to 10%; MMP-9 knockout mice showed reduced incidence.
Conclusions:
- A novel, high-incidence mouse model for intracranial aneurysms was successfully created.
- The model closely mimics human intracranial aneurysms.
- Intracranial aneurysm formation in this model is dependent on matrix metalloproteinase activation.
