Chlamydia pneumoniae-induced atherosclerosis in a rabbit model.
In order to establish a causative relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis, animal models have been proposed. In a rabbit model, arterial intimal thickening has been induced by direct intravascular and intranasal inoculation with C. pneumoniae. C. pneumoniae infection can induce significant acceleration of atherosclerosis in a mildly hyperlipidemic rabbit model but is prevented by treatment with azithromycin. Together these preliminary rabbit experiments suggest that C. pneumoniae may play a causative role in atherosclerosis. More animal studies are underway that are designed to address further mechanistic and therapeutic questions regarding the association between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis.
Muhlestein
J B
JB
Division of Cardiology, University of Utah, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT 84143, USA. ldbmuhle@ihc.com
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D011817:Rabbits