Open AccessThe hyperlipemic hamster ‐ a model for testing the anti‐atherogenic effect of amlodipine
Author(s) -
Sima Anca,
Stancu Camelia,
Constantinescu Elena,
Ologeanu Laura,
Simionescu Maya
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2001.tb00148.x
Subject(s) - hamster , amlodipine , atheroma , medicine , cholesterol , endocrinology , aortic arch , chemistry , lesion , atorvastatin , pharmacology , aorta , pathology , blood pressure
Male Golden Syrian hamsters were subjected to a hyperlipemic diet. At intervals ranging from 2 to 14 weeks, the animals were examined for changes in serum constituents and structural modifications of lesion‐prone areas: the cardiac valves, coronary arteries and aortic arch. Serum was characterized by a gradual increase in cholesterol, triglycerides and a decrease in total peroxyl‐radical trapping potential. The sequence of modifications of the endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and migrating plasma monocytes as well as of the extracellular matrix were established. Amlodipine treatment of hyperlipemic hamster was assessed. Amlodipine exhibited an athero‐protective effect, acting as antioxidant, reducing the LDL uptake by the vessel wall and consequently, limiting the size and extent of lesioned areas. The hyperlipemic hamster is a reliable model to unravel the cellular alterations leading to atheroma formation, and for testing the effect of drugs in this process.