A new model of endovascularly induced renal artery stenosis in normocholesterolemic versus hypercholesterolemic rabbits

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. The authors determine the feasibility of creating renal artery stenosis by overdilatation and deendothelialization and compare the model in normocholesterolemic versus hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS. Thirty male New Zealand White rabbits were randomized into two groups: group A (n = 15) was fed a normal diet and group B (n = 15) was fed a cholesterol-rich diet 4 weeks before stenosis induction. An aortogram was performed, then the right renal artery was overdilated with an angioplasty balloon-catheter, and deendothelialized. After 6 weeks, groups A and B were compared by angiographic and pathologic study. RESULTS. Comparison of group A versus group B showed that 12 arteries (80%) versus 6 (40%) Were angiographically stenotic (P < 0.05); 14 (93%) versus 12 (80%) contained neointima (NS), 12 (80%) versus 3 (20%) showed medial disorganization (P < 0.01), and 9 (60%) versus 2 (13%) presented adventitial fibrosis (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS. A new model of endovascularly induced renal artery stenosis has been developed in rabbits. Medial proliferation and adventitial fibrosis are more frequent in normocholesterolemic rabbits.