Surgical Induction of Mid-Thoracic Aortic Coarctation in Mice: A Reproducible Preclinical Model of Pressure-Induced Vascular Remodeling.

Abstract

Elevated arterial pressure is a key contributor to cardiovascular disease, yet experimental models that isolate the effects of pressure from confounding systemic factors remain limited. We describe a reproducible surgical protocol to induce mid-thoracic aortic coarctation in mice, generating a stable and quantifiable arterial pressure gradient within the same animal. Using a biocompatible rubber O-ring, a partial stenosis is applied to the descending thoracic aorta of anesthetized C57BL/6J mice via thoracotomy. The resulting model establishes upstream hypertension while preserving distal perfusion, enabling the investigation of pressure-specific effects on vascular structure and perivascular adipose tissue function. Hemodynamic assessment by radio telemetry and high-frequency Doppler ultrasound confirms significant and sustained gradients in mean and systolic blood pressure across the coarctation site. This model provides a valuable tool for studying pressure-induced remodeling and vascular biology in a controlled and physiologically relevant context. © 2026 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Induction of mid-thoracic aortic coarctation using a rubber O-ring Basic Protocol 2: Measurement of arterial pressure gradient using two PA-C10 radio telemeters Basic Protocol 3: Measurement of blood flow velocity in the descending thoracic aorta using doppler ultrasound.