Short-term Rapamycin for Inhibition of Neointima Formation After Balloon-Mediated Aortic Injury in Rats:Is There a Window of Opportunity for Systemic Prophylaxis of Restenosis?

Abstract

In a double-injury rat model, NIH can be inhibited by short-term systemic rapamycin, but suppression of early cell migration and proliferation is pivotal. A limited peri-interventional antiproliferative therapy may be of value as an adjunct to control restenosis after balloon angioplasty and/or stenting.

Commentary: Rat Restenosis Models:Means for Thorough Restenosis Research

“…Using morphometry and immunohistochemistry, the authors showed how extensive neointimal formation and cellular reactions develop in this model. In a second experiment, 11 they demonstrated the applicability of this model for drug testing by describing the inhibitory effect of systemic rapamycin on neointimal formation. In sum, this new double-injury model in the rat resulted in extensive neointimal formation, which can be inhibited by rapamycin.…”

“…Stent implantation as secondary injury in this model would be very valuable. Nevertheless, the double-injury rat model introduced by Jahnke et al 10,11 is a valuable addition to the current rat restenosis models for pathophysiological experiments. Generally, it is believed that double-injury models give a more realistic reflection of the actual clinical setting compared to single injury models.…”