Quantifying the evolution of vascular barrier disruption in advanced atherosclerosis with semipermeant nanoparticle contrast agents.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Acute atherothrombotic occlusion in heart attack and stroke implies disruption of the vascular endothelial barrier that exposes a highly procoagulant intimal milieu. However, the evolution, severity, and pathophysiological consequences of vascular barrier damage in atherosclerotic plaque remain unknown, in part because quantifiable methods and experimental models are lacking for its in vivo assessment.

Objective

To develop quantitative nondestructive methodologies and models for detecting vascular barrier disruption in advanced plaques.

Methods and results

Sustained hypercholesterolemia in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits for >7-14 months engendered endothelial barrier disruption that was evident from massive and rapid passive penetration and intimal trapping

SUBMITTER: Zhang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3196552 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature