Rabbit models for the study of human atherosclerosis: from pathophysiological mechanisms to translational medicine.

ABSTRACT: Laboratory animal models play an important role in the study of human diseases. Using appropriate animals is critical not only for basic research but also for the development of therapeutics and diagnostic tools. Rabbits are widely used for the study of human atherosclerosis. Because rabbits have a unique feature of lipoprotein metabolism (like humans but unlike rodents) and are sensitive to a cholesterol diet, rabbit models have not only provided many insights into the pathogenesis and development of human atherosclerosis but also made a great contribution to translational research. In fact, rabbit was the first animal model used for studying human atherosclerosis, more than a century ago. Currently, three types of rabbit model are commonly used for the study of human atherosclerosis and

SUBMITTER: Fan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4304984 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature