Prostanoid release immediately after balloon angioplasty in three models of atherosclerosis in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of angioplasty on the production of prostanoids in atherosclerotic vessels in rabbits.

DESIGN

Open study.

MATERIAL

38 Rabbits.

INTERVENTIONS

Rabbits in group A (n = 12) were given a cholesterol rich diet (2%) for 10 weeks, and then treated with angioplasty. Rabbits in group B (n = 11) were given a cholesterol rich diet for 10 weeks, and then returned to a normal diet until the serum cholesterol concentration returned to the reference range (a further 12 weeks). Rabbits in group C (n = 15) were anaesthetised, and a 3 mm balloon was introduced into the right femoral artery, fed 20 cm proximally, inflated, and pulled twice along the aorta; the animals were then given a cholesterol rich diet (2%) for eight weeks, and treated with angioplasty.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum cholesterol concentrations were measured once a week. Prostacyclin and thromboxane were measured as 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha and thromboxane B2 in both treated and control segments of aorta.

RESULTS

15 Rabbits died while atherosclerosis was being induced, leaving 23 for analysis. Angioplasty reduced the amounts of prostanoids released in animals in which the atherosclerosis had been induced by diet alone. When endothelial injury and diet were used together, there was no difference between the treated and control segments in the amounts of prostanoids released.

CONCLUSION

These findings could be of use in the comparison of methods used to induce atherosclerosis, and in the study of the mechanisms of thrombosis after transluminal angioplasty.