Atherosclerosis research in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

This is a review of the utilization of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) in atherosclerosis research. Naturally occurring and experimentally induced atherosclerosis progression and regression studies are described. This species has been utilized as an animal model to study the effects of immunologic injury, aging, exercise, and drug intervention on atherosclerotic lesions. Cynomolgus macaque atherosclerosis induced by feeding cholesterol is a good model of human atherosclerosis because of similar gender-related differences in susceptibility to coronary artery atherosclerosis, a relatively high incidence of myocardial infarction, and characterized psychosocial factors that influence the development of atherosclerosis.