AimTo explore an efficient method to establish a rat model of atherosclerosis using vitamin D₃ (VitD₃)and atherogenic diet.MethodsForty healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, ie, a control group receiving standard diet, three model groups receiving atherogenic diet for 12 weeks.At the same time, model group 1 were injected VitD₃ 7.0×10⁵ IU/kg every two days before feeding for four times； model group 2 were injected VitD₃ 6.0×10⁵ IU/kg before feeding and 1.0×10⁵ IU/kg in the third, sixth and ninth week respectively after feeding; model group 3 were injected VitD₃ 6.0×10⁵ IU/kg before feeding and in the third,sixth and ninth week respectively after feeding.The body weights of all rats were recorded between 12 weeks.After 12 weeks, total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLC), and triacylglycerol(TG) were measured.HE staining was used to verify the atherosclerotic lesion in aorta.ResultsCompared with the control group, the body weights of model groups were seriously decreased (p<0.01), especially model group 3 and its high death rate.The serum levels of TC and LDLC in model groups were obviously increased than the control group.The numbers in three model groups producing typical atherosclerotic lesion in aorta were 3, 8 and 5 respectively.ConclusionsIt was an effective method for establishing a rat model of atherosclerosis by feeding atherogenic diet and injecting VitD₃, and the suitable dose of VitD₃ was 6×10⁵ IU /kg before feeding and 1.0×10⁵ IU /kg in the third, sixth and ninth week respectively after feeding.