The model of carotid artery tortuosity in rats

Objective Artery tortuosity is a common abnormal vessel morphology, and closely related to the pathogenesis and development of many diseases. However, there is no animal model of artery tortuosity for in vivo studies. This paper aimed to produce an animal model of artery tortuosity by autogenous carotid artery transplantation in rats. Methods 24 animals were divided into normal group, artery tortuosity group or negative group. For rats in experimental group, one centimeter of the left common carotid artery was cut and implanted into the right carotid artery by end-to-end anastomosis. Blood pressure, artery tension and tortuosity index were measured pre-operation, post-operation and one week after surgery respectively. Results Total mortality was 7.7%. One week after surgery the right common carotid artery in experimental group appeared tortuosity shape. The axial tension increased from (43±13)% pre-operation, to (2±9)% post-operation (P=0.000), and then (13±8)% 1 week later. The tortuosity index increased significantly from 1 pre-operation to 1.22±0.15 (P=0.030) post-operation, and then to 1.28±0.34 (P=0.027) a week later. For rats in normal group and negative group, the tortuosity index had no significant change at different time points (1.01±0.004 vs. 1.04±0.01). There was no significant difference in blood pressure and blood velocity prio-and post-operation for all rats. Conclusion This paper first time reports artery tortuosity model in rats. Autogenous carotid artery transplantation in rats is feasible, and more success rate. After surgery carotid artery developed tortuosity shape, which provide the necessary means for in vivo study of artery tortuosity. Key words: Artery tortuosity; Carotid artery; Animal, model