Summary

There is increasing recognition of the importance of vulnerableplaque and acute plaque rupture leading to thrombosis, in thepathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes. This is fueling anumber of developments, including novel imaging modalitiesand potential plaque stabilization therapies. However, to date,no animal model of vulnerable plaque or plaque rupture has 'been established. Recent developments, particularly using Apo Eknockout mice, appear set to provide key breakthroughs. Thepresent status of our understanding of plaque vulnerability istherefore discussed, with a discussion of these current advancesin animal models.