Contrast Ultrasound Imaging of the Aorta Does Not Affect Progression of Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Biomarkers in ApoE−/− Mice. (1st June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Brendon W.; Simpson, Douglas G.; Sarwate, Sandhya; Miller, Rita J.; Erdman, John W.; O'Brien, William D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ultrasound in medicine. Volume 34:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 1115
• Page End: 1122
• Publication Date: 2015-06-01
• Subjects: atherosclerosis -- biomarkers -- cardiovascular disease -- contrast agents -- endothelium -- microbubbles -- ultrasound; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; Ultrasonics; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonics in medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.7863/ultra.34.6.1115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-4297

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) enhance cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. Adverse biological effects have occurred after administration of UCAs, and more research is needed for a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved. We used the ApoE −/− mouse model of atherosclerosis to characterize the effects of ultrasound and UCAs on atherosclerosis and plasma biomarkers. Methods: Male ApoE −/− mice (8 weeks old; n = 24) were intravenously infused with a UCA (2 × 10 10 Definity microbubbles per hour; Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, MA) and exposed to 2.8‐MHz center frequency ultrasound (10 Hz pulse repetition frequency, 1.4 microseconds pulse duration, 2 minutes exposure duration, and 2 sites) at 1 of 3 derated peak rarefactional pressure amplitudes (0, 1.9, or 3.8 MPa), and then consumed either a chow or Western diet for 4 weeks (n = 4 per group). Blood plasma samples were collected before ultrasound exposure and at 2 and 4 weeks after exposure and assayed for total cholesterol and von Willebrand Factor (vWF). A pathologist measured atheroma thickness in formalin‐fixed, hematoxylin‐eosin‐stained transverse aorta sections and scored them for severity of atherosclerosis. Results: Plasma total cholesterol initially averaged 286 mg/dL in the Western diet group and increased to 861 mg/dL after 4 weeks on the diet ( P < .0001). Total cholesterol did not increase significantly in the chow diet group. Plasma vWF increased after 2 weeks on the Western diet ( P < .0001). Atheroma thickness was greater in animals consuming the Western diet than in chow‐fed animals ( P < .05). Ultrasound had no significant effect on plasma total cholesterol, plasma vWF, or atheroma thickness. Conclusions: Contrast ultrasound did not increase the severity of atherosclerosis or alter cardiovascular biomarkers in the ApoE −/− mouse model.