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Arterial saccular aneurysm model in the rabbit
C M Cawley1, R C Dawson, G Shengelaia
1Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Researchers created saccular aneurysms in rabbit carotid arteries using porcine pancreatic elastase. Histology confirmed aneurysm formation and loss of elastic lamina, establishing a model for studying carotid artery aneurysms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Experimental Pathology
Background:
- Saccular aneurysms of the common carotid artery are rare but serious vascular conditions.
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for understanding aneurysm pathogenesis and testing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a reproducible saccular aneurysm model in the common carotid artery of rabbits.
- To characterize the structural changes within these induced aneurysms.
Main Methods:
- Saccular aneurysms were induced in male rabbits by perfusing ligated external carotid artery stumps with porcine pancreatic elastase.
- Aneurysms were allowed to mature for 2-12 weeks.
- Vascular patency and structural integrity were assessed via angiography and histology.
Main Results:
- All 15 experiments successfully created aneurysms.
- 92% of aneurysms were patent on postoperative angiography.
- Histologic examination revealed complete loss of the elastic lamina in all aneurysms, with no evidence of fibrosis or scarring.
Conclusions:
- This study successfully established a rabbit model for saccular common carotid artery aneurysms.
- The model demonstrates significant degradation of the arterial wall's elastic lamina, mimicking key features of human aneurysms.
- This model provides a valuable platform for future research into aneurysm development and therapeutic interventions.