Abstract: Abstrac: Objeetive To study the effects of simvastin on the characterization of plaque and vascular elasticity in rabbits with atherosclerosis. Methods 30 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. The rabbits in control group were given basic food, and the rabbits in model group were given aortic endothelium balloon injury and high lipid diet, and simvastin were given to the treatment group. After 10 weeks, the ratio of thickness of fibrous cap and the lipid core areas were obtained by pathological observation, and vascular elasticity were estimated with echo-tracking. Results The rabbits in model group had the less weak thickness of fibrous cap and the greater areas of lipid core than the treatment group. And the vascular elasticity in simvastin treatment group were better than that of the model group(P<0.05). The ratio of thickness of fibrous cap and the lipid core areas were negativly related to pressure-strain elasticity modulus (Eρ) and the stiffness parameter (β). conclusion Simvastin participate in the everlasting atherosclerosis vascular remodeling, with inhibiting inflammation, improving vascular endothelial function and changing the characterization of plaque.

Key words: atherosclerosis, echo-tracking, ratio of fibrous cap and lipid core areas, simvastin