In cardiovascular research, translation of benchtop findings to the whole body environment is often critical in order to gain a more thorough and comprehensive clinical evaluation of the data with direct extrapolation to the human condition. In particular, developmental and/or pathophysiologic vascular growth studies often employ in vitro approaches such as cultured cells or tissue explant models in order to analyze specific cellular, molecular, genetic, and/or biochemical signaling factors under pristine controlled conditions. However, validation of in vitro data in a whole body setting complete with neural, endocrine, and other systemic contributions provides an essential proof of concept from a clinical perspective. Several well-characterized experimental in vivo models exist that provide excellent proof-of-concept tools to examine vascular growth and remodeling in the whole body. This paper will examine the rat carotid artery balloon injury model, the mouse carotid artery wire denudation injury model, and rat and mouse carotid artery ligation models with particular emphasis on minimally invasive surgical access to the site of intervention. Discussion will include key scientific and technical details as well as caveats, limitations, and considerations for the practical use of each of these valuable experimental models. 1. Introduction Translation of basic research discoveries to clinical efficacy and utility requires experimental models that encompass the whole body environment complete with neural, hormonal, endocrine, and other systemic contributions from associated cell and tissue types. All of these factors potentially influence the outcomes witnessed when using in vitro preparations and single cell or isolated tissue model systems. Particularly regarding vascular growth and remodeling studies, numerous experimental animal models in a variety of vascular beds have been used over the years as proof-of-concept in vivo approaches. Considering the carotid artery as a model system, several rodent-based approaches are widely used and accepted as clinically relevant in terms of examining the in vivo responses to injury-induced growth and remodeling. The rat carotid artery balloon injury model utilizes mechanical damage caused by a balloon catheter which results in mural distension and removal of the intimal endothelial lining. The mouse wire injury model uses an angiocatheter guide wire to remove the endothelial lining and denude the vessel in the absence of medial wall distension. Ligation experiments, using the common carotid artery or one of its
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