Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Placement of a soft silicone collar around the carotid arteries of rabbits induces intimal thickening which is a considered as a crucial step in the development of atherosclerosis. It has been reported that collar causes deposition of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in the extracellular space of intimal thickening at day 14. In this study we investigated vWF expression levels on day 7 and 14 after collar placement.

METHODS

A soft inert silicon collar placed around the left carotid artery for 7 and 14 days. vWF expression was examined by quantitave RT-PCR. In each artery (collar or sham) cross-sectional areas of intima, media were measured and intima/media ratio was calculated.

RESULTS

The intimal thickening was more pronounced on day 14 compared to day 7. However collar caused increase on vWF expression was seen at same level both day 7 and 14.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Therefore we suggested that an increase in expression of vWF may have a role on collar-induced intimal thickening.