Advanced coronary atherosclerosis in swine produced by combination of balloon catheter injury and cholesterol feeding

Abstract

There has been a constant demand for an animal model of advanced coronary atherosclerosis produced in a short period. It was known that mild atherosclerosis could be produced in various vascular beds by high cholesterol diets. However, it requires considerable time to produce advanced atherosclerotic lesions by diets alone. The current study was designed to investigate effects of combination of a balloon denudation procedure and high cholesterol diet in swine. The authors could produce advanced atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries in cholesterol fed swine within a short period of time by inserting a balloon catheter via carotid artery into the coronary artery, inflating it so as to distend the lumen, and pulling it back quickly, which resulted in extensive denudation of the endothelium of coronary arteries. An atherosclerosis like lesion develops at the site with eventual narrowing of the lumen leading to myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, and occasionally sudden death, thus resembling in many aspects human coronary artery disease. Among 22 swine studied, 10 had severe atherosclerosis with virtual occlusion of proximal portion of either or both coronary arteries and developed myocardial infarction within 2-3 months. Seven of these died suddenly, probably due to arrhythmia. This model should be appropriate for studies where advanced coronary atherosclerosis with its complications is needed.