Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the optimun approach to induce the atherosclerotic rat model.MethodsThree methods were used to induce atherosclerotic model, including: simple high fat diet feeding, high fat diet feeding with gastric perfusion of Vitamin D₃, and gastric perfusion of Vitamin D₃ with common rat food (splashed oil on the normal rat food with yolks and peanuts). Histopathology change of the atherosclerotic plaques in aorta was observed by normal and histopathologic sections and Hematoxylin staining.ResultsThe endarterium of aorta of the rats with simple high fat diet was smooth without atherosclerotic plaques after 2 months. 2 rats with high fat diet feeding and gastric perfusion of Vitamin D₃ had formed miliary atherosclerotic plaques. In the rats with vitamin D₃ and common rat food, the ring-shape calcified atherosclerotic plaques were found in the all endarterium of aorta.ConclusionGastric perfusion of Vitamin D₃ once a week (3 times) combined with common rat diet could induce the atherosclerotic model successfully and decrease the mortality rate.

Key words: atherosclerosis, Vitamin D₃, high fat food