Authors : Guangwei Zhang, Yulong Chen, Yan Lin and Enqi Liu
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease is currently the major cause of mortality and morbidity in developing and developed countries. Atherosclerosis is the core of cardiovascular disease and is complex inflammatory process. Many animal species have been used to investigate the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the most useful animal models have been restricted to genetically modified mice or larger animal models including rabbits, pig and non-human primates. Mouse models are widely used for atherosclerosis research due to genetic manipulation. Murine atherosclerosis are different from that of human. Thus, the models are used for investigation of biological processes of atherosclerosis. Rabbits do not develop spontaneous atherosclerosis but they are highly responsive to cholesterol diet and develop plaque in a short time. Pig and monkey are better suitable models because their plasma levels and atherosclerotic plaque are similar to that of human. However, these models are not widely used. Relatively high cost and ethical concern may be major causes.
Guangwei Zhang, Yulong Chen, Yan Lin and Enqi Liu, 2014. Atherosclerosis and Animal Models. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 441-448.