A new model of endovascularly induced renal artery stenosis in normocholesterolemic versus hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors determine the feasibility of creating renal artery stenosis by overdilatation and deendothelialization and compare the model in normocholesterolemic versus hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: Thirty male New Zealand White rabbits were randomized into two groups group A (n = 15) was fed a normal diet and group B (n = 15) was fed a cholesterol-rich diet 4 weeks before stenosis induction. An aortogram was performed, then the right renal artery was overdilated with an angioplasty balloon-catheter, and deendothelialized. After 6 weeks, groups A and B were compared by angiographic and pathologic study. RESULTS: Comparison of group A versus group B showed that 12 arteries (80%) versus 6 (40%) were angiographically stenotic (P < 0.05); 14 (93%) versus 12 (80%) contained neointima (NS), 12 (80%) versus 3 (20%) showed medial disorganization (P < 0.01), and 9 (60%) versus 2 (13%) presented adventitial fibrosis (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A new model of endovascularly induced renal artery stenosis has been developed in rabbits. Medial proliferation and adventitial fibrosis are more frequent in normocholesterolemic rabbits.