Feasibility of Use of Highcholesterol-fed Miniature Pigs as Arteriosclerosis Models

Objective：We examine whether miniature pigs which were fed with high-cholesterol feed for a long time can be used as experimental models of arteriosclerosis. Methods：Gottingen miniature pigs aged 4 months were fed with high-cholesterol feed for 36 or 48 weeks. Body weight measurement and blood collection were performed every 4 weeks during these feeding periods, and body weight changes and changes in levels of serum lipids were observed. Four animals each were necropsied at the end of the 36- and 48-week highcholesterol feeding periods, and the aorta, coronary artery, and other organs were examined histopathologically. Results and Discussion： Levels of TC, PL, FFA, and LDL-C were higher in the high-cholesterol groups 4 weeks after the start of the high-cholesterol feeding periods and were kept stable after being slightly lower thereafter. Arteriosclerosis in the aorta was equally noted in the animals fed for 36 weeks and those fed for 48 weeks. Thus, it is strongly suggested that miniature pigs fed with high-fat feed can be used as experimental models of arteriosclerosis.