Aim To compare the roles of hyperlipoidemia and arterial stenosis on atherosclerosis,and explore the potential mechanisms.MethodsEstablished atherosclerosis model of rabbit carotid arteries by putting silastic collars around the carotid arteries and raising New Zealand rabbits with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet.The total cholesterol,triglyceride and high density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma were measured with kits.The extents of artery stenosis were controlled by digital arteriography.The character of artery morphology was observed with pathology methods.ResultsAfter nine weeks,a lot of foam cells were found in the carotid arteries with the collar,whether in the chow diet or high-fat and high-cholesterol diet group,especially in the latter.The rabbit aortic arches of the high-fat and high-cholesterol diet group showed a little fatty streak,but no changes in the chow diet group.ConclusionThe results suggested that collars around carotid arteries can induce atherosclerotic lesions in a relatively shorter time and specific area of arteries.The formation of atherosclerotic lesions are closely related with hemodynamic changes and hyperlipidemia.Atherosclerotic lesions can be caused by hemodynamic changes with artery stenosis.Lesions of the area distal to the collar,induced by artery stenosis,were more serious than the area proximal.