Research paperAthérogénèse expérimentale chez le rat wistar

The aim of the study was to set up a pharmacological model for the induction of atheromatous lesions in rats. Out of 1080 Wistar rats, 439 were used preliminarily to find out the best atherogenic regimen: oral vitamin D2, a relatively low cholesterol diet (0.5 %), but no blockade of the thyroid function. 641 rats given this regimen showed: within the first week, a disruption of the elastic fibers and an increase in acid mucopolysaccharides in 70–90% of them according to the different batches; within one month the development of atheroma in the injured but regenerating wall; a marked increase in serum cholesterol (threefold) and a moderate increase in triglycerides; on agar gel electrophoresis, a reversal of the pattern, with around 80% of β and pre-β lipoproteins. After 6 weeks, the cholesterol diet was discontinued, resulting in disappearance of lipidic deposits. Control animals (vitamin D2 but no cholesterol) showed wall injury but no atheroma. These atheromatous lesions, induced in an animal known to be resistant, resemble most features of the early fatty streak of human atherosclerosis. The rapid onset of the lesions make this model a suitable method for the screening of anti-atheromatous agents.