Accumulation of Advanced Glycation End Products in Canine Atherosclerosis

SummaryAtherosclerosis is an uncommon lesion in animals and particularly in dogs. Prominent atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries are described in three dogs. These comprised an expansion of the tunica media by the accumulation of foam cells and/or cholesterol crystals, with subsequent narrowing of the vascular lumen. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in foam cells, macrophages and lymphocytes. As in man, these findings suggest a possible role of AGEs in the development of canine atherosclerosis.