Pathological consequences from the infusion of unstable lipid emulsion admixtures in guinea pigs.

The pathophysiologic effects of infusing unstable lipid emulsions are unclear, but these were shown to cause reticuloendothelial system (RES) dysfunction in animals and humans. We investigated the effects of unstable lipid emulsions in RES organs defined by two levels of the percent fat >5 microm (percentage of fat, PFAT>5 microm) in a guinea pig model. Two identical injectable lipid emulsions with differing (stable versus unstable) PFAT >5 microm levels, were infused for over 24h into two groups of animals (n=5/group).

Angiotensin receptor blockade with candesartan attenuates atherosclerosis, plaque disruption, and macrophage accumulation within the plaque in a rabbit model.

Background: Little is known about whether direct angiotensin receptor blockade can reduce atherosclerosis and plaque disruption. This study evaluated the effect of angiotensin receptor blockade on both the development of atherosclerosis and the disruption of plaque in a modified Constantinides animal model.

Methods And Results: Twenty-eight New Zealand White rabbits underwent aortic balloon injury followed by a 1% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks.

Temporal gene expression following prosthetic arterial grafting.

Background: Following prosthetic arterial grafting, cytokines and growth factors released within the perianastomotic tissues stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation and matrix production. While much in vitro work has characterized this response, little understanding exists regarding the sequential up- and down-regulation of genes following prosthetic arterial grafting. This study evaluates temporal gene expression at the distal anastomosis of prosthetic arterial grafts using microarray analysis.

In vivo molecular imaging of acute and subacute thrombosis using a fibrin-binding magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent.

Background: Plaque rupture with subsequent thrombosis is recognized as the underlying pathophysiology of most acute coronary syndromes and stroke. Thus, direct thrombus visualization may be beneficial for both diagnosis and guidance of therapy. We sought to test the feasibility of direct imaging of acute and subacute thrombosis using MRI together with a novel fibrin-binding gadolinium-labeled peptide, EP-1873, in an experimental animal model of plaque rupture and thrombosis.

Temporal genomics of vein bypass grafting through oligonucleotide microarray analysis.

Objective: Autologous vein is the conduit of choice for small artery reconstruction. Despite excellent patency, these conduits undergo remodeling over time. The purpose of this study was to identify temporal gene expression in vein grafts versus control veins through microarray analysis.