Quantitative image analysis of cell proliferation after balloon catheter injury in the rabbit carotid artery
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Vascular Balloon Injury and Intraluminal Administration in Rat Carotid Artery
Published on: December 23, 2014
Objective:
To perform color image analysis to assess the course of morphometric and proliferative changes in the intima and media of rabbit carotid arteries following balloon injury.
Study Design:
Proliferating smooth muscle cells were labeled with proliferating cell nuclear antigen and vizualized by immunohistochemical staining of histologic sections. Morphometry was performed on histologic cross-sections of injured arteries stained with hematoxylin.
Results:
The development of intimal hyperplasia following an acute mechanical injury was detectable early on and was accompanied by a burst of cell proliferation. Medial cell proliferation peaked on day 3 after balloon injury, and the maximum of intimal cell proliferation was noted on day 7.
Conclusion:
The color image analysis method described here could be a useful tool in evaluating drugs for their ability to prevent restenosis.
