N. Bennani-kabchi et al., New model of atherosclerosis in sand rats subjected to a high cholesterol diet and vitamin D2, THERAPIE, 54(5), 1999, pp. 559-565
In order to defeat the atheroresistance in sand rats, 25 animals were given
a high cholesterol diet for 45 days, which was then associated with oral t
reatment with vitamin D2 2000 IU/day for a further 45 days. At days 0, 45 a
nd 90, plasma parameters, and aortic and heart morphology were examined. Re
sults showed at D45 hypercholesterolaemia, increased plasma LDL and VLDL ch
olesterol, oxidized LDL, triglycerides, free fatty acids (FFA) and calcium
levels and moderate hyperinsulinaemia. At D90, plasma-oxidized LDL and FFA
were more enhanced, whereas calcium level was reduced. Development of hyper
glycaemia was associated with hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. The
vitamin D2 administration induced advanced lesions, represented by the deg
enerescence of elastic lamina, smooth muscle cell proliferation and lipid c
alcic plaque at an ulcerated stage in most cases. The ischaemic effects wer
e represented by acute myocardial infarction. The potential of the sand rat
to develop atherosclerotic lesions at different stages opens the field to
therapeutic tests of new antiatherogenic agents.