Animal models for hemorrhage and resuscitation research

This report summarizes recent workshop discussions on animal models for hemorrhage and resuscitation research, and it is supplemented with relevant current literature. The emphasis is on models for casualty care on the battlefield.

Current animal models of hemorrhage and resuscitation vary substantially from one laboratory to another, and are not based on clinical experience. Hemorrhage and resuscitation protocols are arbitrarily determined, and there is no consensus on predictive endpoints. The use of anesthetics in most animal models obscures crucial hemodynamic responses. Environmental variables that influence outcomes by modulating the stress state of the animal are not controlled. A standardized predictive preclinical animal model that addresses these issues is needed.

Recently conscious animal models have been developed that can minimize anesthesia artifacts, and prognostic endpoints have been defined in the clinic. The time may be right to define a predictive animal model for hemorrhage and resuscitation research that will allow new trauma therapies to advance.