The rupture of atherosclerotic plaques induces the formation of clots that block blood supply to the heart or brain, which can precipitate heart attack or stroke, respectively. Existing models of atherogenesis such as ApoE−/− mice lack several features present in the human vulnerable plaque. Now, Najafi, Aghili et al. report that lard-fed mixed-background ApoE−/− mice exposed to chronic stress develop inflamed atherosclerotic lesions with a large necrotic core and a thin fibrous cap. Notably, neovascularisation and intraplaque haemorrhage develop in most of these animals by 20 weeks of age. This new model should facilitate the investigation of the mechanisms underlying the formation of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, and the development of therapeutic interventions that affect both plaque vulnerability and plaque burden. Page 323
Stress-induced atherosclerotic lesion model
Stress-induced atherosclerotic lesion model. Dis Model Mech 1 March 2013; 6 (2): 279. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
DMM Journal Meeting 2024: Pre-clinical Modelling of Human Genetic Disease and Therapy

Registration is now open for our 2024 Journal Meeting. Rapid advances in gene editing and genetic technologies have revolutionised our ability to model human genetic disease and provided new hope for gene therapies. At this Meeting, we will present the very latest advances in modelling human genetic disease.
Moving towards heart success – Disease Models & Mechanisms Special Issue

DMM's most recent special issue compiles articles that aim to move heart failure to heart success by fundamentally addressing the roots of failure to identify curative strategies.
Crossroads in Virology

Our October Editorial written by Sumana Sanyal emphasises the urgency of a concerted effort in understanding virus–host interactions to inform the development of therapeutics and vaccines, helping to predict disease outcomes. Read the full Editorial here.
A Model for Life - an interview with Professor Kiran Musunuru




Read our new A Model for Life interview with Kiran Musunuru. Prof Musunuru investigates the mechanisms of disease in model systems, with the ultimate goal of developing innovative gene editing therapies.
Sustainable Conferencing Initiative

Through our Sustainable Conferencing Grants, we promote the use of new technology and greener modes of travel. Our blog posts showcase examples of sustainability in action and share experience about how new technologies and conference formats work in practice.
Other journals from
The Company of Biologists