Modelos experimentales de aterosclerosis

Today, experimental models of atherosclerosis employ both small (e.g. rodents) and large animals. The main advantages of small animals are their low cost, ready availability, ease of handling and the existence of animals with the appropriate genetic modifications. Models of atherosclerosis in large animals have the disadvantages that they are less readily available, more difficult to handle and more expensive. However, their anatomy and physiology more closely resemble human anatomy and physiology, and experimental observations are much easier to extrapolate to human pathology. The choice of animal model depends on the nature of the research. For example, studies of mechanisms can be carried out with greater precision in rodent models but, for translational studies, responses in large animal models are much closer to human responses. Our understanding of atherosclerosis has increased substantially thanks to serial studies of noninvasive imaging techniques in animal models of the disease.