Novel experimental model of enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm in rabbits

Abstract

This novel rabbit abdominal aortic aneurysm model with a gradually enlarging diameter is simply and reliably induced, appropriately mimicking human aortic aneurysm disease.

Interference of doxycycline pretreatment in a model of abdominal aortic aneurysms

“…Its underlying pathogenesis is complex. A potentially significant contributor to their development and progression is the proteasedriven destruction of collagen and elastin fibers in the media and adventitia layers, resulting in a weakening of the aortic wall and a progressive expansion of its diameter [2][3][4][5][6][7]. This destructive process is likely due in part to a disruption in the balance between proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors, leading to excessive degradation of the connective tissue that maintains the aortic wall structural integrity.…”

“…This destructive process is likely due in part to a disruption in the balance between proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors, leading to excessive degradation of the connective tissue that maintains the aortic wall structural integrity. Inflammation can be a major pathological component of aneurysm development, playing a fundamental role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the aortic wall due to increases in the amount of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) secreted by inflammatory cells, particularly the secretion of gelatinases MMP-2 and -9 [7,8]. Therefore, blocking inflammation and inhibiting MMPs are attractive targets for pharmacologic agents aimed at reducing aneurismal expansion and rupture [9].…”

Letter by Bi et al Regarding Article, “Segmental Aortic Stiffening Contributes to Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development”

“…In our study, we proposed a self-healing process whereby regenerated elastin and proliferated smooth muscle cells inhibit aneurysm enlargement further. 2 We questioned the classical theory that aneurysms develop after infusion of exogenous elastase resulting in an inflammatory cascade, which causes matrix destruction and aneurysm formation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). According to most theories, it seems that MMPs are evil, and studies try to break this vicious circle by inhibiting MMPs.…”

“…Previously, we introduced a novel experimental model of enlarging AAA in rabbits by a combination of elastase incubation and aortic coarctation. 2 We hypothesized that hemodynamic change caused by coarctation may play an essential role in the initiation and progression of AAA. In comparison, Raaz and colleagues apply an integrated biophysical approach to study AAA.…”

Effect of Low-Pressurized Perfusion with Different Concentration of Elastase on the Aneurysm Formation Rate in the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model in Rabbits

“…Currently, elastase perfusion is the most commonly used method for animal models of AAA. However, as shown by the existing literature, different production methods of abdominal aortic aneurysm model, the elastase concentrations vary greatly [11–14]. To evaluate the effect of elastase concentrations, we established an AAA model in rabbits by perfusing different concentrations of elastase.…”