Abstract No. 77: Creation of Carotid Atheromatous Plaque in a Diabetic Pig Model

Abstract

To create a reproducible and realistic model of atherosclerotic plaque mimicking human atherosclerosis. A group of 8 Sinclair pigs were enrolled. Diabetes was induced by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells by selective injection of streptozotocin in the splenic and gastroduodenal arteries. An implantable port was also installed to allow post-operative monitoring of glycemia. A partial ligation of the common carotid arteries was performed with an adsorbable suture on one side and a permanent suture on the other side to create a stenosis of 70%. Thereafter, the pigs were fed with a high-cholesterol diet for 20 weeks. Plaque formation and arterial stenosis were evaluated by serial Doppler ultrasound. After 20 weeks, Doppler ultrasound, angiography, intravascular ultrasound examinations were performed before sacrifice. Both carotid arteries were harvested and analyzed by histology. Diabetes was successfully induced in all animals. Two animals required a second session of streptozocin injection. Two animals died during follow-up (one of pulmonary emboli another of ardiac arrest following intravenous injection of verapamil). Stenosis of more than 70% were present in all carotids ligated with permanent sutures. Smaller plaques (30%) were observed on the side with adsorbable suture. Fibrous plaque with lipid core were observed in most lesions. This model allows the creation of atheromatous lesion similar to those observed in a clinical setting.