Effects of Blood Flow on Development of Atheromatous Plaques at an Experimental Inter-Carotid Anastomosis (Model Carotid Bifurcation)

Abstract

Atherosclerosis often develops at the carotid bifurcation. In order to analyse blood flow in this region in vivo, we constructed a bifurcation by microsurgical anastomosis of the carotid arteries in the rabbit. In animals with hypercholesterolemia, fully developed atheromatous plaques developed in three months. The stages involved in their development were first, changes in the endothelial cells aligned in the direction of blood flow, second, adhesion of leucocytes, mainly macrophages, at the lateral wall of the bifurcation, and then formation of thick atheromatous plaques. The proximal side of the plaques was smooth and rich in collagen fibers, while the distal side was rough and contained many foam cells.