Long-term effects of polymer-based, slow-release, sirolimus-eluting stents in a porcine coronary model.

Background: Stent-based delivery of sirolimus (SRL) has shown reduction in neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chronic vascular response and the expression of cell cycle regulators after SRL-eluting stent implantation in a porcine coronary model.

Methods: Forty-nine pigs underwent placement of 109 oversized stents (control, n=54, SRL (140 microg/cm(2)), n=55) in the coronary arteries with histologic analysis and Western blot (PCNA, p27(kip1), CD45, MCP-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-beta) at 3, 30, 90 or 180 days.

Endometriosis model development swine.

Despite the prevalence of endometriosis in the human population, there is a shortage of animal models for studying it. The authors describe the development of a swine model of endometriosis that allows researchers to evaluate laparoscopic techniques and instruments for diagnosing and treating the condition.