Murine models of thrombosis

Manipulations of mouse vessels are difficult due to their small sizes, limiting the possibilities for developing clinically relevant thrombosis models. Currently used models of arterial and venous thrombosis have short-comings not only in terms of clinical relevance but also with respect to collection of data usable and commensurate with thrombodynamic processes. Confocal and multiphoton imaging systems offer continuous evaluation of more direct measures, such as fluorophore-labeled, thrombus-targeting factors, but have been predominantly confined to studies in microvessels (arterioles and venules) with questionable transference of findings to large-vessel thrombotic activities. Going forward, we should select more clinically relevant models, using evaluative measures that yield optimal quantitative data, to refine our understanding of critical aspects of thrombotic processes.