EXPERIMENTAL-MODELS OF ACCELERATED ATHEROSCLEROSIS SYNDROMES

The processes of angioplasty restenosis, vein graft failure, and trans plant atherosclerosis, collectively termed 'syndromes of accelerated a therosclerosis', have been the focus of significant clinical and exper imental research. Limitations of clinical studies have forced emphasis onto experimental animal models for the purpose of determinining path ophysiology and evaluation of potential therapeutic strategies. Howeve r, the apparent failure of many in vivo animal models to predict inter ventional outcome in humans has raised doubt over their suitability as models of these pathophysiological states. Similar criticism has befa llen the use of in vitro techniques for elucidating pathophysiology of the cellular elements. An awareness of the shortcomings of the variou s experimental models in use would therefore seem prerequisite both to a more critical evaluation of data generated from their use, and to t he development of truly effective therapeutic strategies for humans.