Low frequency electrical impulses reduce atherosclerosis in cholesterol fed rabbits.
BACKGROUND
This investigation studied whether low frequency electrical impulses (EI) induce or prevent development of new atherosclerotic plaque in previously diseased vessels.


METHODS
In all rabbits, an electrode was sutured to the left psoas major muscle close to the upper part of the abdominal aorta (AA), and a pacemaker was implanted on the opposite side of the AA just below diaphragm. Group 1 received a high cholesterol diet (HCD) to induce atherosclerosis but no EI (control). Euthanasia followed after 3 weeks (series I), 8 weeks (series II) and 11 weeks (series III) of HCD. In series IV animals received HCD alone for 3 weeks then EI was added to the HCD for another 8 weeks (weeks 4-11) at a rate of 30 impulses per minute (IPM) at 3V. Euthanasia followed after 11 weeks. Atherosclerotic thickness grades were assigned using a 0 (low) to 4 (high) grading system, and the surface area involved in disease was calculated.


RESULTS
In control rabbits, after 11 weeks of HCD atherosclerotic thickness grade in lower abdominal aorta was 1.68 +/-0.25. In rabbits exposed to EI (30 IPM at 3V) this grade was 0.5+/-0.37 (p<0.05). The involved surface area was only 8.5+/-4.69% (series IV) vs. 32.5+/-4.0 % in control


CONCLUSIONS
When applied near the AA, electrical impulses (30 IPM at 3V) decrease atherosclerotic deposits despite continuation of a high cholesterol diet.
Chekanov
Valerie  S
V
Heart Care Associates, Milwaukee Heart Institute, Aurora Sinai Medical Centers, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0342, USA. ahcvch@execpc.com
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D011817:Rabbits
D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary