We collected 5 mL blood from the central ear vein with a syringe, to 6-mL tubes with a suitable preservative for biochemical analysis. After collection, the samples were sent for testing in the analysis laboratory of the Hospital University Lauro Wanderley at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), where they were centrifuged and the low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol levels were analyzed. Subsequently, a 2–3-cm skin incision was made in the longitudinal direction in the inguinal fold with scalpel blade (#11) to expose the femoral artery, which was isolated with a 3-0 cotton thread. A small transverse arteriotomy was performed with a scalpel blade (#11) for the introduction of a 0.014-in metal guidewire and a semi-compliant catheter balloon (2.5 mm diameter and 20 mm long; balloon/artery ratio, 2.5:1), which was inserted in the lumen of the femoral right artery in the cranial direction and its position in the right external iliac artery was determined through visualization of the proximal balloon shoulder to the dissected inguinal ligament. The balloon catheter was inflated for 1 min until the rated burst pressure (RBP) of the angioplasty balloon (about 12 atm), leading to distension of the arterial wall. After balloon deflation and removal of all guidewire balloons, we performed ligation with a 3-0 cotton thread above and below the arteriotomy. Finally, the skin was sutured with a 4-0 nylon thread. Analgesics (10 mg.kg-1 ibuprofen orally, diluted in drinking water for 2 days) and antibiotics (20 mg.kg-1 ceftriaxone, intramuscular, single dose) were administered to all groups in the postoperative period, to prevent animal suffering. Twentyfour hours after surgery, the drug administration began in each group.