Study on aorta elastic properties in experimental mouse model of atherosclerosis by ultra-high frequency ultrasound / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the aorta elastic properties in the procession of atherosclerosis by ultra‐high frequency ultrasound ,and to detect the relationship between the aorta elastic properties and the atherosclerotic plaque burden .Methods Mice deficient for the apolipoprotein E (ApoE‐/‐) with high‐cholestrol diet were studied as an age‐dependent model of atherosclerosis .At 8 ,16 ,24 and 32 weeks of age , the blood pressure in the ascending aorta was measured by catheter ,and the aorta mechanical properties were assessed by measuring aortic elastic modulus of the ascending aorta with ultra‐high frequency ultrasound .The plaque burden was assessed by high‐frequency ultrasound and Masson′s trichrome stain , separately .Results Vessel thickness at the lesion‐prone sites of the lesser curvature of the aorta and the proximal brachiocephalic artery increased with age ,consistent with the Masson′s trichrome staining which showed age‐dependent worsening of atherosclerosis in the mice model .Elastic modulus of the aorta significantly increased from 8 to 32 weeks of age in E‐/‐mice .There was a statistically difference between any two groups .Conclusions With the progression of atherosclerosis and the increased plaque burden ,aorta mechanical properties deteriorated in Apo E‐/‐mice .Ultra‐high frequency ultrasound was a potential tool for assessment of plaque burden and aorta mechanical properties in mouse model .