Zusammenfassung
Arteriogenesis, the growth of preformed collateral arteries into functional conductance vessels, is a natural mechanism, which can be induced in animal models. Elevating the fluid shear stress on vessel endothelium is crucial for arteriogenesis and is generally induced by arterial occlusion. Two models to induce peripheral arteriogenesis are described. Ligating the femoral artery of the mouse ...
Zusammenfassung
Arteriogenesis, the growth of preformed collateral arteries into functional conductance vessels, is a natural mechanism, which can be induced in animal models. Elevating the fluid shear stress on vessel endothelium is crucial for arteriogenesis and is generally induced by arterial occlusion. Two models to induce peripheral arteriogenesis are described. Ligating the femoral artery of the mouse hindlimb is a standardised model which leads to collateral growth in the thigh muscles. To enhance the effect of a simple ligature, the shunt-model, which combines the ligature with an arteriovenous fistula of a femoral artery and vein distal to the occlusion, may be employed. As a consequence the blood flow is drained directly into the venous system, causing chronically elevated shear stress and a maximal stimulus for arteriogenesis.