Popis: |
Human coronary artery research is limited by an inability to control experiments and by the slowness of lesion development. Animal arterial injury models offer an opportunity for understanding restenosis mechanisms and for testing new treatments for safety and efficacy. In these models the pathophysiological aspects of disease can be simulated, variables can be controlled, and statistical data accrued in short time periods. The ideal animal restenosis model should have comparable human coronary anatomy, histology, and physiology. It should closely mimic human restenosis pathophysiology and reliably predict the outcome of human clinical trials. Other ideal characteristics include availability, inexpensive to acquire and maintain, and easy to handle. Many animal models have been used for restenosis studies. This variety comes because the ideal animal model does not exist. Each animal model has advantages and disadvantages. This chapter discusses the principal animal models described for restenosis studies, their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages compared with humans, and the considerations necessary for proximity to and ideal animal model and study design. |