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Shortened elastase infusion time in the elastase-induced rat aneurysm model
T Yamaguchi1, M Yokokawa, M Suzuki
1First Department of Surgery, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
Objective:
This study was performed to determine whether it would be possible to shorten the elastase infusion time in the elastase-induced rat aneurysm model.
Methods:
The abdominal aortas of 76 male Sprague-Dawley rats were dissected and infused for 10, 20, 30, 60, or 120 min with a solution containing 14 U of elastase or for 30 min with saline solution (control). After infusion, the rats were evaluated every day for calculation of the mortality rate. On day 7, the surviving rats underwent laparotomy. The diameter of the aorta was measured, and the aortic tissue was excised for histologic examination.
Results:
There were no deaths among the rats infused for 10, 20, or 30 min. The mortality rate was 64% in the 60-min and 90% in 120-min groups. There were no significant differences in the diameters of the 30-min saline-infused aortas and the 10- or 20-min elastase-infused aortas. The diameter of the 30-min elastase-infused aortas (6.2 +/- 2.1 mm) was significantly larger (P < 0.01) than the diameters of the 10- and 20-min elastase-infused aortas. There were no significant differences between the 30-min and the 60- and 120-min elastase-infused aortas. Microscopically, there was total or subtotal loss of elastic tissue and marked inflammatory cell infiltration of the aortic wall in the 30-, 60-, and 120-min elastase-infused aortas.
Conclusions:
It is possible to shorten the elastase infusion time from 120 to 30 min in the elastase-induced rat aneurysm model. This shortening of infusion time reduces the experimental time and mortality rate.
Insights
Shortening elastase infusion time in rat aneurysm models from 120 to 30 minutes is feasible. This optimization significantly reduces experimental duration and animal mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Animal Models
- Aortic Aneurysm Research
Background:
- The elastase-induced rat aneurysm model is crucial for studying abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).
- Optimizing experimental parameters, such as infusion time, can improve model efficiency and reduce animal distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if elastase infusion time can be reduced in the elastase-induced rat aneurysm model.
- To assess the impact of shortened infusion times on aneurysm development and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Rats received elastase infusions of varying durations (10-120 min) or saline (control).
- Mortality rates were monitored daily.
- Aortic diameter and histology were assessed on day 7 in surviving rats.
Main Results:
- Infusion times of 10, 20, or 30 minutes did not result in mortality.
- A 30-minute elastase infusion created significantly larger aortas compared to 10- and 20-minute infusions.
- Histology revealed significant aortic wall damage in 30-minute and longer infusions.
Conclusions:
- Elastase infusion time in the rat aneurysm model can be safely shortened to 30 minutes.
- Reducing infusion time decreases experimental duration and mortality.
- This optimized model allows for efficient AAA research with reduced animal loss.