Optimization of a local type rabbit model for arteriovenous fistula, focused on study neointimal hyperplasia

Background: Hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Over the past decades, numerous animal models have been developed. However, there needs to be more animal model protocol with rabbits to investigate neointimal hyperplasia in the arteriovenous fistula. This study aimed to explore an alternative rabbit model using a wild-type local model for investigating neointimal hyperplasia in the arteriovenous fistula. Methods: One local-type male rabbit performed arteriovenous fistula, in which the right carotid communis artery was anastomosed end-to-side to the right internal jugular vein. When examining vascular tissue, measurements were taken of the thicknesses of the tunica intima and tunica media, as well as the areas of the tunica intima and tunica media, vascular diameters, and vascular lumen areas. Result: We successfully induced neointimal hyperplasia in local-type rabbits, indicated by increased tunica intima thickness after 28 days of the arteriovenous fistula procedure. Conclusion: Optimation of the Rabbit model using a wild-type local model for investigating neointimal hyperplasia in arteriovenous fistula may be susceptible and considered as it is accessible and cost-effective besides producing the same outcome as a laboratory rabbit