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Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease Models
Ichor provides validated preclinical models for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease research. We specialize in the AngII micro infusion pump model. Accelerate your cardiovascular drug discovery with our expert in vivo and in vitro services.
Our atherosclerosis and cardiovascular studies deliver clear and reproducible data on vascular immune infiltration, vascular fibrosis, and overall tissue remodeling. Heart and aortic thickness are primary readouts demonstrating both model and drug efficacy. Thorough histopathological reporting and Board-certified veterinary pathologist scoring highlight key disease etiologies to drive your program towards clinical relevance.
Highlight: AngII micro infusion pump
Subcutaneous implantation of an Alzet osmotic micro infusion pump that slowly releases a precise dose of Angiotensin II is a premium model of hypertension induced cardiovascular disease. Short 14-day studies focus on the acute vascular remodeling cascade, while extension to 28 days results in predictable end-organ damage, particularly in the kidney. Couple this model to a genetic, diet-induced, or all of the above for a rapid answer to your most pertinent cardiovascular questions.
Preexisting DIO mice
Our preferred vendors are constantly stocked with animals on a high fat diet from 6 weeks of age. We can rapidly acquire mice of any weight and age range to ensure that your study is enrolled appropriately without the lead time of generating DIO mice from scratch.
Genetic mouse models
Widely used for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular research, ApoE and LDLR deficient mice rapidly and reproducibly develop canonical phenotypes. Mouse models are ideal for quickly understanding the relevance of your lead candidates.
Diet-induced models
Capture the human pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesion deposition and cardiovascular dysfunction through diet-induced modeling, with a focus on high fat and high cholesterol diets. Couple this with a genetic model to exacerbate phenotype development and model the true human condition.
Metabolic phenotyping
From simple testing such as glucose and insulin tolerance to complex analyses such as body composition by tissue weight, we can support a variety of mechanistic endpoints to further your research program. Food consumption measurements as well as emesis tracking allow you to understand how your compound drives results.
Histopathology
Adipose depot analysis sheds light onto the mechanisms of weight loss in addition to neurological and behavioral modification. Quantitation of lipid droplet number and size adds that extra layer of detail to your study. We can also study fibrosis and liver phenotypes as well.
Inflammation analysis
Adipokines, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators are readily accessible in our discovery lab. From multiplex profiling via bead arrays through single-plex standard ELISA, we can define how tissue-specific and overall inflammation is mediated.
Your Results Await
Subcutaneous implantation of an Alzet osmotic micro infusion pump that slowly releases a precise dose of Angiotensin II is a premium model of hypertension induced cardiovascular disease. The sample dataset above demonstrates our standard offering the produces a comprehensive workup to assess vascular inflammation, fibrosis, and remodeling.
Facilities and Animal Welfare
Our vivarium is USDA-certified and AAALAC accredited. Our IACUC supports rapid protocol review to initiate your study quickly and efficiently, while being sure to maintain animal welfare as highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the most common questions about diet-induced obesity research service offerings.