Atherosclerotic aortic component quantification by noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging: an in vivo study in rabbits

Abstract

In vivo noninvasive high resolution MRI accurately quantifies fibrotic and lipidic components of atherosclerosis in this model. This may permit the serial analysis of therapeutic strategies on atherosclerotic plaque stabilization.

Associations Between Plasma C-reactive Protein Levels and the Severities of Coronary and Aortic Atherosclerosis

“…We 17,18) and others 19) have shown good correlations regarding the aortic plaque extent between in vivo and ex vivo MRI findings and histopathology in animal models. In humans, we reported that MRI evaluation of thoracic aorta closely correlated with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) findings 13) .…”

Selective estrogen receptor modulation influences atherosclerotic plaque composition in a rabbit menopause model

“…One month postoperatively, aortic atherosclerotic lesions were induced by 9 months of 0.2% cholesterolenriched rabbit diet (WIL Research Laboratories; Ashland, Ohio) and double ballooninduced aortic endothelial denudation as previously described. [18][19][20][21][22][23] All procedures were performed under general anesthesia by intramuscular injection of acepromazine (1 mg/kg; Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica; St. Joseph, Missouri), ketamine (20 mg/kg; Fort Dodge Animal Health; Fort Dodge, Iowa), and xylazine (2 mg/kg; Lloyd Laboratories; Shenandoah, Iowa). This experimental model of atherosclerosis has reliably demonstrated reproducible development of advanced atherosclerotic lesions, [18][19][20][21][22][23] and the study protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.…”

“…One month postoperatively, aortic atherosclerotic lesions were induced by 9 months of 0.2% cholesterolenriched rabbit diet (WIL Research Laboratories; Ashland, Ohio) and double ballooninduced aortic endothelial denudation as previously described. [18][19][20][21][22][23] All procedures were performed under general anesthesia by intramuscular injection of acepromazine (1 mg/kg; …”

“…The sample size was calculated to detect change in aortic vessel wall area as assessed by serial MRI (the pre-specified primary endpoint) based upon a power of 0.8 and α of 0.05, observations from a prior experimental model of raloxifene administration, and measurement error from prior MRI studies in our laboratory using the same experimental model. 9,[18][19][20][21][22][23] Observers for all measurements (MRI, histopathology, Western blot, platelet aggregometry and μCT) were blinded to treatment group. …”

Quantitative assessment of atherosclerotic lesion of rabbit aorta by compressed slice analysis of magnetic resonance images ex vivo

“…Recent findings suggest that a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging technology may provide significant help identifying the histopathologic nature of the lesions. Helft et al [11] also investigated the in vivo noninvasive MRI to quantify fibrotic and lipid components of atherosclerosis in rabbits.…”