Animal models of vasculitis.

There are several naturally occurring and iatrogenic models of vasculitis available in animals, although few have primary coronary vessel lesions. Aleutian disease of mink and equine viral arteritis are 2 well studied natural diseases which may be produced experimentally and, thus, make good animal models. Several drugs have been identified which produce myocardial lesions, including vasculitis, in susceptible individuals or when given in high enough doses. Immune mediated mechanisms are probably among the most important etiologic factors for the development of vasculitis and must be given high priority when exploring the pathogenesis of any vasculitis.