Advanced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Modeling in Mice by Combination of Topical Elastase and Oral ß-aminopropionitrile
July 26th, 2024
This protocol describes a methodical surgical approach to modeling advanced abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice by a combination of directly applying elastase to the infrarenal aorta and administering ß-aminopropionitrile through drinking water.
Our research aims to understand the pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysm. In particular, we like to know in the molecular term how aneurysm ruptures. We believe by modeling aortic aneurysm in mice, males and females, will help us to develop a new treatment for this highly lethal disease that urgently needs pharmacological treatment.
The pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysm is multifactorial and complex, which makes animal modeling difficult. The elastase/BAPN model, however, reliably produces aneurysms in mice, which model many of the features and characteristics of the human disease. Combining BAPN drinking water with topical elastase surgery can produce large true infrarenal aneurysms, which form intraluminal thrombus, progressively dilate, and eventually rupture.
This allows researchers the opportunity to study features like rupture risk and aneurysm growth.
Overview
This research aims to elucidate the pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) through a reliable mouse model. By employing a combination of elastase application and administration of ß-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), the study successfully replicates features of the human disease, enabling insights into aneurysm growth and rupture.
Key Study Components
Research Area
- Pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Animal modeling of complex diseases
- Pharmacological treatment development
Background
- AAA is a multifactorial condition with high mortality rates.
- The elastase/BAPN model is an effective method to study AAA in mice.
- Understanding rupture mechanisms can inform treatment strategies.
Methods Used
- Animal models using mice
- Topical elastase application combined with BAPN in drinking water
- Monitoring aneurysm growth and rupture risk
Main Results
- Successful formation of large true infrarenal aneurysms in mice.
- Intravascular thrombus formation and progressive dilation observed.
- Demonstrated reliable modeling of human AAA features.
Conclusions
- The study validates an effective method for AAA research in mice.
- Findings can advance the development of new therapeutic options for AAA.
